Irene Knudson Rodman

Obituaries

Irene Knudson Rodman died in Plainville, Kansas, July 1. She was 86 years old. Born in Highmore, South Dakota, Feb. 19, 1930, to Theodore and Dorothy (Mercer) Knudson, Rodman was the oldest of four children. She moved with her family to a farm in Vaughn in 1937, graduated from Peninsula High School in 1948, and attended Seattle Pacific College for one year.

She married LeRoy "Bud" Rodman on Sept. 3, 1954, and lived in the Port Orchard area for many years. Irene worked in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for a few years as a secretary. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning and camping and was very involved with church activities.

After retirement, Irene and Bud traveled the United States for over 17 years as part of the Mobile Missionary Assistance Program, providing various assistance and repairs to Christian churches and camps. They settled in Hays, Kansas, in 2005.

A woman of deep faith, Irene touched and helped shape the physical and spiritual lives of family, friends and people around the world through her tireless examples of love, devotion and care. She enjoyed serving others and encouraged them through her letter writing and cards. She was very proud of her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Irene is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, Bud, of Stockton, Kansas; son Stephen of Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania; daughter Gail Gallaway of Stockton; and brother Curtis of Gig Harbor.

A private graveside service and a memorial service were held in Stockton. Memorials may be sent to North Oak Community Church in Hays, Kansas, or Lutheran Braille, care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North First, Stockton, Kansas 67669. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.