Janet Rodda
courtesy photo
Janet Rodda
RONAN — Janet Rodda’s life here on earth ended as she stepped into eternity on May 14, 2014, one month short of her 80th birthday. She was a longtime resident at St. Luke’s Extended Care where she was known as the Trivia Queen. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 14, 1934, to John and Frances Dingman, she grew up traveling around the Northwest with her mother, as Frances worked in factories and plants during WWII.
Janet met Miles Rodda while working on a ranch during haying season on Rock Creek near Philipsburg. They were married one month later and celebrated 61 years together last October.
While living on their ranch on Rock Creek, Janet and Miles enjoyed lapidary interests inspired by the sapphire mines in the area. This interest developed into faceting and polishing stones and hunting for rare gems as a family. Janet loved birds and wildflowers and could identify most varieties. She also was an excellent cook and loved doll making.
Janet is survived by her husband Miles, and six of her seven children: Terri Kreps (Dennis) of New Mexico; Carol Rodda of St. Ignatius; Peggy Orr (Tim) of St. Ignatius; Brenda Costillo (Rick) of Polson; Ken Rodda (Mary) of Ronan and Russ Rodda (Marti) of St. Ignatius; 21 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her mother Frances, her father John and step-father Bill Daus; her first child of 18 months Nita-Kay; two grandchildren: Tony and Juanita and one great-grandchild Hudson Taylor.
Services will be held at a later date.
