Barbara Rhoads

June 15,2023, Barbara Rhoads, age 77, of Salem, Oregon passed peacefully at home with her
family by her side. Barbara was born in Dallas Oregon on December 6, 1946, to Esther (Gail)
Callahan and Leland Cooper. Barbara went to be with the Lord and her heavenly family after a
long battle fighting her disease with COPD.

Barbara as a young child lived with her grandparents Nellie and John Koening until she married.
She would often bring up how she ran the halls of the old Salem Memorial hospital since her
grandmother was a nurse there.

Barbara married her high school sweetheart Gary (Joe) Rhoads in 1965 in Weisner, Idaho. They
met on a blind double date and were together ever since. Barbara lived in California while Joe
was in the service. After Joe got out of the service they resided in various locations within
Oregon until they found their forever home in Salem. They adopted their only child Gail, in
1971, that Barabara would call their miracle baby.

During their many years of marriage they traveled to many places. Some of the states they
visited were Montana, Idaho, and saw Mt. Rushmore and Wild Bill Hickocks grave In South
Dakota, they also visited the tabernacle and many churches in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together
they took many trips to Reno, Tahoe and Muckleshoot with great friends.

Barbara retired at an early age due to health problems. However, prior to retirement she
ventured in many job roles such as photo processing, waitressing, reception work data entry.

Barbara enjoyed going camping, but one would often find her washing up all the kids, she really

hated the dirt. She LOVED playing bingo and going to the casino. She loved listening to country
music as well as watching the voice and family feud. She enjoyed going to music concerts.
Barbara and her mother went to many concerts over the year at the State fair. They would
arrive at the fair when the doors opened, rush to the bleachers and would lay down blankets so
save a seat in the front rows. In 2008 she and a friend went to Tennessee to see Dolly Wood and
the Grand Ole Opry. She couldn’t get enough of seeing Elvis and Michael Jackson impersonators.
Country music though was her favorite. She said one of her favorite concerts was the Oakridge
Boys.
Barbara loved to be surrounded by people. Over the years she and Joe had many nephews and
other family members that they opened their home to and lived with them. She loved to be
around her grandchildren and loved babies. She was dedicated to her family and would stand by
them through thick and thin.
Barbara was predeceased by Mother Gail Callahan, Father Leeland Cooper, Brother Bradley
Schwartz, Sister Cathy Warden.

She is survived by husband Gary Rhoads, Brothers Sean Callahan and Jamie Cooper, sister Nikki
Eamon. Daughter Gail Hernandez, Grandchildren Desireah Hernandez, Rigo Rhoads and
Fransisco Hernandez. Great-Grandchildren Trentin, Stanley and Jackson.
Services will held at Church on the Hill 2707 Maranatha Ct SE Turner, OR 97392 ( near
Enchanted Forest) on June 25,2023 from 2-4 pm.