Dorothy Irene 'aka Granny R' Rhodes (nee Coxon)

March 15, 1926 - July 21, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother at the grand age of 95.
She was predeceased by her husband Cecil Rhodes (1975), her sister Edna Rigby (1998), her lovely daughter Wendy Pare (2017), and her oldest grandson Mark VanCamp (2012).
She is survived by her daughter Beverly Simchak (Frank), her son Rick Rhodes (Lorrie), her grandchildren Tanya Pare (Ray), Trudy Pare (Scott), Travis Pare (Michele), Dusty Rhodes (Amanda), and her great grandchildren, Alethea, Nolin, Paige, Ty, Josh and Daniel.
Dorothy (Doe) was born in Williams Lake to Phillip and Dorothy Coxon March 15, 1926 which was 3 years before the incorporation of the town.
She was born in the old hospital where City Hall now stands. Her father Phil Coxon was a pioneer who was born in England but spent the majority of his 85 years in Williams Lake before his passing. There is a street in town named after the Coxon family.
Dorothy grew up and went to school in Williams Lake and as a teenager worked at Mackenzie's store, then at Al's Variety Store and eventually Robinson's.
She was married to Cecil Rhodes in 1947 and over the next several years she had her 3 children, Bev, Rick & Wendy. Cece was the Postmaster in Williams Lake for 25 years and that serviced the whole of the Cariboo Chilcotin area. She was mostly a stay-at-home mom while raising their family and worked from time to time at a few stores in town.
Doe and Cece were long time members of the Legion and Cece was a Commander of the local Air Cadets. Up until her husband's death in 1978 she was active in the community and enjoyed socializing. She continued to stay active and took up square dancing and bowling of which she was excellent at both.
Square dancing became her passion and her friend, Bob Buckmaster became her constant companion and dance partner. They spent many years enjoying each other's company up until his passing.
Doe was always filling her time knitting, playing Yahtzee, Rummy tile, watching sports on TV, reading and occasional trips to the Casino. She loved her cat, Miss kitty, who was always by her side.
She enjoyed visits from her family and friends and always had open arms for everyone. And of course, a cold beer in a small glass was always on her agenda.
Doe was particularly proud of her dad and mom and that they had been part of the beginning of Williams Lake. She loved the fact that she was born in Williams Lake and so were her 3 children, 1 of her grandchildren (Dusty), and 2 of her great grandchildren (Josh & Daniel). She will always be remembered as a true Williams Laker.
A special note of thanks and gratitude is extended to the staff, care aids, and nurses at Cariboo Place for their care, kindness, respect and compassion given to our mother. We will always be grateful.
A Celebration of Life Tea will be held at the Seniors Activity Center 176 N 4th Ave, Williams Lake on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 2 pm. Her ashes will be laid to rest next to her husband Cece in Coalmont B.C. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Williams Lake Chapter 139 of the Royal Canadian Legion.