Linda K. Rhoads, 74, of Rochester was surrounded by her loving family, when she passed away at 12:30 PM, January 15, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital of Ft. Wayne.

On September 1, 1946 Linda Kay Sickmiller was born in Mansfield, Ohio.  She was a treasured daughter of Merle and Anna Katherine McLeod Sickmiller.  Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Julie and Marta.  Linda graduated with the class of 1964 from Ashland High School, Ashland, OH.  She continued her education to achieve her life dream of becoming a registered nurse at Ashland's Samaritan School of Nursing graduating in 1967.   Linda initiated her nursing career specializing in trauma at the Ashland Samaritan Hospital emergency department.  

In Ashland, Ohio Linda married Mr. Thomas C.  "Tom" Rhoads on July 12, 1986.   Following their move to Rochester, she volunteered for Kindred Hospice as a care giver.  In 2009 Hope Hospice conveyed the coveted "Hope Hospice Service Award" to Linda with sincere appreciation for distinguished service to Hope Hospice and our community.

Left to cherish Linda's memory are her husband Tom at home; seven children:  Jeff Talsma (Michelle) of the Upper Peninsula, MI, Chad Spangler (Misty) of Cape Coral, FL,   Shawn Spangler (Vicki) of Crestline, OH, Jennifer Fisher (Tommy) of Toano, VA, Stephanie Berry (Shawn) of Albuquerque, NM, Nancy Rhoads, of Richmond, VA, and Jessica Rhoadmond (Chris) of Staunton, VA;  12 grandchildren: Jordan, Caden, Bella, Anthony, Cameron, Evan, Caulen, Braden, Norah, Lucas, Kylee and Arbor;  two sisters: Julie Hinz  and Marta  Moore both of Lexington, OH; and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.  Also surviving is her treasured canine companion Sam, the yellow Lab.

A celebration of the life of Mrs. Linda K. Rhoads will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, on February 20, 2021 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester, IN  46975.  Memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice,  1476 West 18th Street, Rochester, IN  46975.