Rhoda Belle Gibbs Ward Jenkins

Rhoda Belle Gibbs Ward Jenkins passed away peacefully in the early morning of November 29, 2023 at her home in Fort Pierce, Florida. At age 91, the last stage of her life was just as she wanted it: living independently, with no fuss, enjoying the company of family, friends and neighbors, until it was just time to go. 

Rhoda was born at home on April 4, 1932 to Minnie Iva Rhodes Gibbs and Joseph Rainey Gibbs, near Akron, Tallmadge Township, Ohio. She was the youngest of three sisters, joining Ivagene Marie “Jean”, and Mildred Jeanette “Sis”. The family moved to Lawrenceburg Tennessee in 1939, and after her parents’ divorce, she moved with her mother and sisters to St. Petersburg Florida in 1945, where her mother was remarried to step father Sonnie Geise.

As a child, Rhoda couldn’t wait to start school, so she could learn to read. She excelled in academics and even skipped an elementary grade. She was valedictorian of her 8th grade class, and in high school, was a member of the Honor Society. Although Rhoda started college classes after high school, it wasn’t until almost 25 years later that she finished her first degree. 

Rhoda married Warren Ward on September 1, 1952. Warren was a 2nd lieutenant in the army and their early married life involved frequent moves for his military training, to Virginia, Texas and Oklahoma, followed by his extended deployment to Korea, while Rhoda stayed with relatives. Upon his return in 1955, the couple settled in East Norwich, Long Island, New York. Their three children were born there: Terry, Karen, and Jeff. Sadly, Karen passed away as a toddler. The family moved to Oyster Bay, Long Island, enjoying life on the water with sailing, fishing and water skiing, winter ski trips, and the infamous three-month “summer trip” that took the family on an extended road trip around the entire country that started the day after school got out for the summer, and ended the day before it began again. Travel also included trips to Germany, Austria, Bermuda, Spain and Belgium. Although Rhoda and Warren later divorced, they remained friends throughout their lives, staying in touch with each other’s news, attending family events, and devoted to their children and grandchildren. 

Known as “Toots” to her extended family, Rhoda had an insatiable curiosity about language. When learning a word, she would research its history, learn its Latin root, its synonyms and antonyms, and research its translation in other languages. She completed a Bachelors degree in English from CW Post College of Long Island in 1976, and a Master’s degree in 1981. Her Master’s thesis was an exploration of Mark Twain’s use of dialect in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” She worked in administration in the Physics and later English departments at CW Post for many years. 

In 1985, Rhoda met Mel Rubin, an attorney, with whom she enjoyed 20 years of travel, folk music, their beloved dogs, walks on the beach and quiet home life. The longtime partners retired together to Fort Pierce, Florida, and lived an active life until Mel’s passing from Alzheimer’s disease. 

In a support group for people who had lost their mates to Alzheimer’s, she met a retired Coast Guard Admiral, and a true gentleman— the kind and caring William “Bill” Jenkins. They attended many music concerts and lectures, married in May, 2007, and enjoyed each other’s companionship for 15 years, until Bill passed in 2022. 

Rhoda had a sharp wit and sense of humor, could redirect a conversation with just a look, and was also kind and loving, meeting people right where they were, without judgment. She was immensely proud of her more than 30 years of sobriety, and served as a mentor, sponsor and guide to others. She was blessed with many close friends, and she was very good at staying in touch with extended family through calls and letters. She LOVED a hand-written note or letter. She was a voracious reader, would complete 3 crossword puzzles before lunch (all at once), and never stopped learning: taking Spanish classes, learning calligraphy, jewelry making and painting. She volunteered for many years at the Harbor Branch Oceanic Institute. 

Special thanks to Rhoda’s stepdaughter Judy Klimczak for her years of support, to friend and helper Carol Tarbel for devoted caregiving, neighbors Hyacinth and Sandie, for daily check-ins and companionship, and to Rhoda’s many friends for their care and friendship. She loved you all. 

Rhoda is survived by son Terry Ward (Brenda) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; son Jeff Ward and daughter in law Lisa Ward of Park City, Utah; stepdaughter Judy Jenkins Klimczak; grandchildren Paul Ward (Catie), Jen McLean (Tim), Dr. Kelsey Ward (Baxter Datt), Hayden Ward, and Keenan Ward (Alyssa); great grandchildren Max McLean, Owen Ward, Hank Ward, Will Ward, Cameron Ward, and nieces and nephews, and step-grandchildren, that she adored. 

Predeceased by parents Minnie and Joseph, stepfather Sonnie, sisters Ivagene Marie “Jean” Gibbs Hammaker, and Mildred Jeanette (“Sis”) Gibbs Haase, daughter Karen, first husband Warren Ward, longtime partner Mel Rubin, second husband Bill Jenkins, stepson William Jenkins Jr. “WoJay”

Per Rhoda’s wishes, she was cremated, and memorial services will be private. To honor her, learn a new word, extend a hand to lift someone up, call a loved one to stay in touch, or write a hand-written note to brighten someone’s day. Any of those things would make her smile.