Laurie Rhodebeck

1954 - 2016

Laurie A. Rhodebeck

GALION: Laurie A. Rhodebeck, 62, of Galion passed away peacefully on September 13, 2016 after an extended illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Born May 11, 1954 to James and Eloise (Dickerson) Rhodebeck, Laurie was the salutatorian for the Galion High School class of 1972. She received her Bachelor of Arts at Miami University, with a double major in Political Science and Spanish. She entered graduate school at Yale University, completing a Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy in their joint Politics and Psychology Program.

A dedicated educator, Laurie began her teaching career at the University of Notre Dame. After leaving there, she joined the faculty of the State University of New York, Buffalo for several years. She held a visiting professorship at Oberlin College prior to moving to her current tenured position as Associate Professor at the University of Louisville. There she taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in a variety of subjects including American politics and research methods. Her research interests focused on the role of social issues in electoral politics and the impact of values on public opinion.

The State University of New York, Buffalo Student Association honored Laurie with an award for outstanding undergraduate teaching. In addition, she received the Kentucky Metroversity Award for Instructional Development and was the University of Louisville Faculty Favorite for multiple years. She served on numerous editorial boards and as a reviewer for many professional journals and publications, as well as serving on or chairing various committees associated with her professional organizations. Laurie was a member of the American, Midwest, and Southern Political Science Associations.

While teaching was the center of her life, Laurie was also an avid gardener and enjoyed preparing delicious foods. She loved the arts, nature, and animals of every type and size.

Laurie is survived by her sister, Sarah (Rob) Hayslip of Columbus; step-mother, Carol Rhodebeck of Galion; and step-sisters, Linda (Don) Wuestenberg of Gahanna and LuAnn Grover of Westerville. Laurie is preceded in death by her parents.

A private burial took place on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Iberia Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085 with Rev. John Keeny officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43221, Crawford County Park District, 2401 State Route 598, Crestline, Ohio 44827 or Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 Trimble Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44906.

Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Laurie Rhodebeck, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.