Robert Rhoads

On January 5, 2023, our beloved Husband, Father and Grandpa, Robert Ray Rhoads, returned home to our Heavenly Father after a valiant fight against Pancreatic cancer. His wife of 56 years, Dicksy Lee Briggs, was by his side at the time of his passing.
Robert was the oldest of two sons, born to Adella and Ray Rhoads on January 23, 1944 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Robert spent most of his youth living in Great Falls, Montana. While at Montana State University, Bob met his sweet wife, Dicksy. Bob graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He was in the ROTC program during college and after graduation, served 2 years in Korea and Virginia in the US Army followed by 8 years in the Army Reserves. Robert was awarded the Commendation Medal for his service in Korea. Bob and Dicksy spent the early years of their marriage living in Johnson City, New York and Minneapolis, Minnesota. They moved back to their home state of Montana, settling in Kalispell for 13 years and eventually moving to Provo, Utah where Bob was an Electrical Engineer at Brigham Young University for 25 years.
Bob and Dicksy had many adventures in their life together. They were blessed to have four children, Roberta (Paul Larsen), Brandon (Deborah Hales), Tamara (Nathan Ringger) and Stephanie (Marcus Young). Bob loved being a father but found being a grandfather the most rewarding promotion he received in his life. His 14 grandchildren were blessed to know and learn from their grandfather and there was no doubt as to his unwavering love for them. More recently he became a great-grandfather which brought him great joy as well. It could be said that helping and cheering on his family was his favorite hobby and one he was extremely good at.
Bob joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints his senior year in college, January 1966. Bob served in various capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including an eighteen month mission in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife, Dicksy. Bob was extremely knowledgeable in all things involving mechanical or electrical systems. He loved sharing his talent and knowledge with others and was always willing to repair whatever he could for his friends and neighbors. Bob was the first call for many who needed help, most frequently from his adult children! His willingness to serve was a blessing to all who knew him.
Robert's greatest accomplishment was his marriage to Dicksy. In spite of the challenges of life, his love and devotion to her was evident in every moment of his life and will continue to be an example to his family. He was the ultimate gentleman, wanting to ease her burdens any way he could. Dicksy lovingly cared for her sweetheart through many years of ill health and was by his side until the end of his mortal life. All those who knew Bob considered him to be a sincere friend and champion and a true disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
A viewing will be held at Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 North University Avenue in Provo on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 5-7pm. The funeral will be held at Nelson Family Mortuary on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 2pm. Following the service, internment will be at Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery, 4800 North 650 East, Provo, Utah.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for all the friends that would come and visit Bob during this past year. His final year spent with family and friends meant so much to him and to Dicksy.