Rod Wilhite

Born in Muleshoe, Texas on Leap Day 1952, he was the son of Lou Dell (Hogan) and Herbert Luther "Doc" Wilhite. The family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1956, when Rod was eight years old. Rod, his brother Carrell, and his sister Jera Lynn were raised in a loving home centered around Christ. They were taught the value of hard work, family, and faith. Rod graduated from Poudre Valley High School and went on to study at Colorado State University.

During college Rod worked as the music director at Southside Baptist Church. It was at church that Rod met the only woman he ever loved, Roberta Jo "Bobbie" Graham. Rod was smitten and fell fast for Bobbie. Theirs was truly a match made in Heaven. They wed on July 7, 1973, at Bellevue Baptist in LaPorte, Colorado. At the time of Rod's passing, they had been blessed with 52 joyous years of marriage.

Rod led a life centered on Christ and defined by his faith. Above all else, he loved the Lord. He was always active and involved at church. He served as the music director not just for Southside, but for multiple churches, throughout his life. He had the voice of an angel. Bobbie fondly remembers when Rod directed the church musical. It was such a fun and special time. Rod was well known and well loved. He was a good man who was always there when he was needed. He was kind and down to earth. He liked to hunt and enjoyed traveling with Bobbie. He was an exceptional brother-in-law, treating Bobbie's family just like his own, and he loved his nieces and nephews dearly.

Rod was a skilled woodworker and a master craftsman. He built a home for Bobbie on South Timberline Road where they lived for 22 years. A general contractor by trade, he was the superintendent on many a job. He was generous with his skill and his time, offering architectural design services to family and friends. When he was semi-retired, he and Bobbie moved out to a 70-acre farm in Eaton, Colorado, where Rod built their second home. He was not an idle man. Together they farmed grass hay, raised their Dobermans, and rode their horses. Throughout their lives, Rod & Bobbie raised eight Dobes from pups. Rod loved his dogs, and he loved his horses, especially Timber. In their spare time, Rod & Bobbie worked on their hobby business, Images of the West, creating framed mirrors with custom art.

In October of 2025, Rod brought home a new puppy, Okia. He didn't like leaving Bobbie home alone while he was out on bid runs and felt better knowing Okia was by her side. Rod was always looking out for what was best for Bobbie, putting her needs before his own. When Bobbie fell ill and was no longer able to climb the stairs in their house, Rod built her a chair lift and installed an intercom. Every morning for over a month he would call up to Bobbie on the intercom "Breakfast service! What would you like?" and once she tendered her request he would replay "Service will be up". Even in his final days, Rod's concern was for Bobbie's wellbeing. His last words to Bobbie, with his dying breath, were, "I love you".

Rod will be fondly remembered as a man of deep faith and genuine integrity, who loved with his whole heart. He will be dearly, dearly missed.

He leaves behind the wife he cherished, Bobbie Wilhite of Eaton, and their beloved dobe pup, Okia. Rod is also survived by his sisters-in-law Ann Wilhite of Denver, CO, Racheal Beckett (John) of Livermore, CO, and Charleen Mellot (Rick Lloyd) of Chamberlain, SD; mother-in-law, Betty Graham of Fort Collins; nieces Lori Scott (Mike) of Denver, and Charity Hoar (Stuart) of Pine Bluffs, WY; nephew Austin Beckett (Kayla) of Livermore; his former brother-in-law and dear friend, Rick Mellott of Carr, CO; and by his great-niece, Katie Scott.

Rod is greeted in Heaven by his mother and father, Doc & Lou Dell Wilhite, his brother Carrell Wilhite, sister Jera Lynn Saul, nephew Randall Mark Saul, and by his father-in-law, John Graham.

A Celebration of Rod’s Life will be held at 11am on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins. A Graveside Service will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens.

Should you wish to send flowers, the preferred florist is Rowes Flowers in Loveland. Memories of Rod and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.