Elizabeth Ann Rodden, 85, of Nokomis, died on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital, with her family by her side.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis. Funeral services will take place following the visitation with Father Michael officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Nokomis following the funeral.
Mrs. Rodden was born on Nov. 6, 1940, in Nokomis, the daughter of Carl Heldebrandt and Violet (Chastain) Heldebrandt. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a woman deeply rooted in family, friends, and community.
She married the love of her life, William Rodger Rodden on July 29, 1961, in Springfield. Their marriage of 64 years was a testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring love.
Mrs. Rodden found joy in caring for others, both at home and through her work. She was employed as a school cook for seven years, a role that suited her generous spirit and love of cooking.
In her free time, Mrs. Rodden enjoyed flowers, cooking, the outdoors, sewing and gardening, but nothing brought her greater happiness than time spent with her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and cherished great-grandmother whose kindness and warmth will be deeply missed. Mrs. Rodden’s life was one of love and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Mrs. Rodden is survived by her daughters, Tammy (Bill Page) Petty of Nokomis and Debby (Tim) Chumley of Nokomis; grandchildren, Kyra Petty, Tanner (Autumn) Chumley and Emily (Kyle) Durbin; great-grandchildren, Kadynn Petty, Layne Ishmael, Attlee Chumley and Truett Chumley; and brother, Gene Heldebrandt.
Mrs. Rodden was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mike Rodden; grandson, Nick Petty; and brothers, Roy and Daryl Heldebrandt.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Montgomery County Cancer Association. Condolences may be left online at www.stiehldawsonfh.com.
