Rhoda May Sutherland

Rhoda May Sutherland, 81, of Paola, Kansas, passed away on December 10, 2023, at Vintage Park of Osawatomie surrounded by her family.

She was born on February 12, 1942, to Roger and Norma (Byman) Perle in Littlefork, Minnesota.

On December 28, 1963, she was united in marriage to Kenneth (Butch) Sutherland. They resided in International Falls, Minnesota where they established their business and raised their family.

Butch and Rhoda owned a service station and a cold weather testing business where Rhoda was the bookkeeper. In addition, she worked at Island View Reality as the office manager for several years prior to retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son, Randy Sutherland, and sister, Rosemary (Jackie) Markland.

Rhoda is survived by her daughter, SuAnne Herman (James) of Paola, KS; son, Ronald Sutherland (Sandy) of Ray, MN; grandchildren, Abigail Herman (Morgan Shirley) and Christian Herman; her beloved friend, Jerry Schmidt; and her many very close friends.

While living in Minnesota, she was very active with her children’s activities, including leading their 4-H club for many years. She loved spending her summers on Grindstone Island, fishing and gardening.

In 2005, she moved from Minnesota to Paola, Kansas to be closer to her grandchildren. Rhoda continued to spend her summers on Rainy Lake near International Falls until 2014.

Rhoda was a very skilled and avid card player, playing weekly with friends and family. She enjoyed Bingo, which is where she met Jerry, and would take her grandchildren to play as well.

Rhoda had a love for crafting, with jewelry making being her favorite. She also enjoyed to scrapbook and to make wreaths.

Her passion was in the kitchen, cooking and baking for her loved ones. She was well known for her cookies, lefsa, cabbage rolls and hors d'oeuvres.

Rhoda filled her home with warmth and kindness, always eager to share her favorite recipes to anyone who shared her passion for the kitchen . She loved the special times spent with her Grandchildren and cheer them on in all their endeavors. She will be dearly missed.

A celebration of life will be held January 11, 2024, in Paola, KS as well as in Minnesota in August.