Rhoda Mardale Tuttle Hooper, age 89, of Minneapolis, MN and formerly of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024. Rhoda is survived by her children: Scott (Susan), Sue (Joanna), Nancy (Mike) and Kyle (Julie); 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; sisters Alice (late Harold) Radi, Laura (Dennis) Drummond, Mary (late Charles) Tappe, sister-in-law Mardie (late Jerry) Tuttle, and many nieces and nephews. Rhoda was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob), her parents Dale and Florence Tuttle, siblings Jerry, Jay and Jane Tuttle, in-laws Carl and Dorothy Hooper, and nephew Aaron Drummond.
Rhoda graduated from Sebeka (MN) High School in 1952 and Hamline University School of Nursing in 1956. Following graduation, Rhoda worked as a nurse educator at Swedish Hospital School for Nursing. In 1957 she and Bob married and moved to Norfolk, Virginia where she taught at St. Vincent de Paul School of Nursing. After four years there they returned to Minnesota, first settling in Keewatin, MN and then in Detroit Lakes, MN. Rhoda worked as a public health nurse with Multi-County Nursing for seven years. Seeing a need for more mental health services in the area, Rhoda pursued a master’s degree in counseling at MN State – Moorhead. She joined the Northwest Mental Health Center in Mahnomen as a Clinical Specialist and counseled individuals and families. During this same time she worked as an associate professor in the nursing program at MN State – Moorhead. She enjoyed developing courses and teaching students who wished to pursue a four-year Registered Nurse degree. Being a life-long learner, Rhoda returned to school at the University of MN in the Twin Cities to pursue a master’s degree in nursing and a doctorate degree in biomedical ethics. Following these achievements Rhoda was named as Director of the School of Nursing at MN State – Moorhead.
Rhoda loved the Detroit Lakes community, and she served the area in many ways, including membership on: DL Public Library Board, DL Area Foundation Scholarship Committee, St. Mary’s Regional Health Center Foundation Board, Lake Agassiz Regional Library Board, Becker County Community Health Advisory Board, and the President’s Advisory Council for Minnesota State – Moorhead. When her children were young she was a Campfire Girls Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. She was a long-time member of the DL United Methodist Church, where she served on the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Rhoda was a member of the Damien Society and she enjoyed assisting with their annual house tour.
Rhoda and Bob had many plans for retirement, but sadly Bob died unexpectedly in 1998. Rhoda was able to continue their love of travel thanks to many friends and family who organized or accompanied her on trips. She kept busy with her community involvement as well as with her cherished pastimes of reading, golf, and art. She also loved visiting with her dear friends in her home, inviting them for bridge club, dinner parties, coffee, or a glass of wine on the porch.
Services will be held this spring at the Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church.
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