Rhoda A. Needham

Rhoda Anne Needham, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on December 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was 75 years old.

Born on January 1, 1949, to William and Lucia Hession, Rhoda was a true New Year's gift to her family. Growing up in Lafayette, Indiana, she was a proud graduate of Jefferson High School, Class of 1967. In her early adulthood, Rhoda moved to California, where she met and married Richard Raysinger, with whom she had two children. Their journey together led to an amicable separation, but they remained friends, raising their children with love and support.

While working at Trader Joe’s, Rhoda met the love of her life, Steve Needham. Their shared passion for finding the perfect cheese was the beginning of a lifelong partnership, and they were married on July 31, 1985. Rhoda and Steve would go on to have three children of their own, completing their family with a deep bond of love and affection.

Throughout her life, Rhoda lived in many places, including LaCrosse, Wisconsin; Lafayette, Indiana; and Ventura, California. In 2022, Rhoda and Steve moved to Forest Lake, Minnesota, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Rhoda was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved to paint, create pottery, fish, and garden. In her later years, she found joy in metal detecting, always with an adventurous spirit. Those who knew her will remember her as outgoing, full of life, and often quick with a funny, sarcastic remark. She had a heart that was both big and generous, always putting the needs of others before her own. Rhoda was a devoted caregiver to her mother and mother-in-law in their final years, showing the deep well of compassion that defined her.

Family was Rhoda's greatest love. She was the rock of her family, offering support, humor, and guidance in equal measure. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Rhoda is survived by her beloved husband, Steve; her children, Ed Raysinger, Cara (Bob) Comstock, Mark (Amy) Needham, Bridget (Ryan) Zeoli, Steve Needham; grandchildren, Reggie Comstock, Bobby Comstock, Maggie Needham, Charlie Needham, Robbie Zeoli; four legged companion, Birdy; siblings, Ed Hession, Carrie (Arlo) Teegarden; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lucia Hession; brother, Bill Hession; sister-in-law, Janet Hession.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Rhoda's family and friends will forever remember her radiant spirit, her quick wit, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her life.