Obituary for Carmen R. Rhodes

She was born, September 21, 1955, in Stanley, Wis., to Garnet and Sylverne (Peet) Smith. Carmen grew up as a pastor’s daughter in Norwalk and graduated from Brookwood High School. She further pursued her education by attending University of Wisconsin-Stout for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. After college, Carmen was set up on a blind date by her cousin. She met Reuben Rhodes at the fair in July and they were married the next spring in Norwalk.

Carmen enjoyed working in the daycare profession; she loved all children, but her favorites were three and four year olds. Her passions in life were being a farm wife, a mom, and eventually a grandma. Carmen worked right alongside Reuben, on the third generation family’s farm. Their love of the land and hardworking spirit carried this legacy to their son and his family, currently the fourth generation operating the farm (working on the fifth).

Carmen was a longtime member of the Hope Community Church in West Salem where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was a woman who practiced a deep faith.

She also liked to sew making special Christmas stockings for her family, Christmas tree skirts, and unique ornaments. Reuben fondly remembers the way Carmen looked in the wedding dress she created and stitched herself.

Survivors include her husband, Reuben; son, Corbin (Amber) Rhodes; grandchildren, Clayton and Arley; two sisters, Heather Scully and Wendy Smith; brothers-in-law, Raleigh (Veronica) Rhodes and Rodney (Bonnie) Rhodes; a special uncle, Oliver Smith; many nieces and nephews; and an abundance of friends.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ramond and Rose Rhodes; and her brother-in-law, Richard “Dick” Scully.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hope Community Church, 134 Hamilton St. E., West Salem. Burial will follow in Hamilton Cemetery in West Salem. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to Carmen’s family at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com