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Audrey Marion Jones Rhoads, 90
Audrey Marion Jones Rhoads, 90, a resident of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away Aug. 28, 2017. Audrey was born in London, England, on June 14, 1929. Wartime requirements required Audrey to become a nurse working with handicapped children in an Orthopedic Ward.
When World War II was finally over, she married Ronald Hiley who had been a Royal Air Force Fighter Pilot. Ron and Audrey had four children, two girls and two boys. Marilyn Hiley and Zara Hiley Lewis both live in England; Nick Hiley in Scotland and Mark Hiley in Houston, Texas.
This marriage ended in divorce. Audrey met Dusty Rhoads who was in the military stationed at the RAF Upper Heyford, and they married on Dec. 14, 1978. Dusty has two daughters from a previous marriage; Shirley R. (Roxi) lives in Cheyenne, Wyo.; and Dustina R. (Tina) lives in Gillette, Wyo.
Audrey was a history buff, not only of her Welsh and English heritage, but of world history too. Audrey’s first real experience of following Dusty’s military travels was to an assignment to the UP, “Upper Peninsula” of Michigan. Both winters fed her photography skill with more than 18 feet of snow. She filled numerous albums with outstanding photos. Riding powerful snowmobiles scared her at first, but learning to control them lead to many enjoyable trips through the UP.
Next assigned to 8th Air Force Headquarters meant going with Dusty to Barksdale AFB, La. A total change in environment did not slow Audrey down. She continued her photography hobby along with making new friends at each new station.
When Dusty retired from the military in 1988, they moved to North Idaho and bought a hobby farm north of Post Falls. They raised their own beef and with Audrey’s green thumb they raised enough garden crops to donate to local food banks.
When Dusty retired from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department, they sold the farm and moved into Coeur d’Alene. Immediately Audrey put her green thumb skills to work. Within a short time, she had the property full of flowers, shrubs and trees. Being an English lady meant always having a nice garden to relax in and enjoy. Audrey formed many friendships over the years with their travels. She always kept real close friends to heart and will be sorely missed by many.
If anyone wishes to remember her long life, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Audrey’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.