On May 21, 2012, Ana Rhodes, passed away peacefully at home with her family. Ana was born October 2, 1949, in Kentfield, California, daughter of Gwenydd (Penny) and Leonard Smith. She is survived by her loving husband, Tom Rhodes; her daughter, Sarah Priess (Kyle); her son, Charles; her sister, Lennea Smith; and her brother, David Pietrick (Melissa). She is also survived by four grandchildren—Madelyn, Austin, Evangeline and Charlotte Priess.
As a small child, Ana moved with her family to San Jose, California. Ana later attended high school in Myers Flat, California, after moving there with Penny and her husband, Fred Pietrick, as well as her sister, Lennea. Ana was a member of 4-H and enjoyed her animals (chicken and a sheep). Her favorite subject in high school was math. She graduated as valedictorian of Miranda High School in 1967.
She began her college studies at California State University, Humboldt, while working at state parks in the summers. She completed her bachelor’s degree and obtained a master’s degree in public administration at California State University, Sacramento.
Ana met her husband, Tom, while working at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento. They took turns finishing their degrees. Ana later worked at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center. While her children were growing up, Ana also took the time to take care of the needs of other children as well. Ana loved to sew and made her husband’s wedding suit and prom dresses for her daughter’s friends. She also had fun with her grandchildren by making their Halloween costumes.
She began her management career with the County of Sacramento by working in the Parks Department and later promoted to Administrative Services Officer in the Planning Department. She was proud of working on the budget. She later transferred to the Human Resources Department. Along the way, she was active in the Women’s Management Forum and she was a member of the Soroptimist International Club. She was elected to two terms as President of the Sacramento Chapter (SIS). Through her kind and gracious manner, Ana made many friends she valued greatly. Her friend, Jennifer Phanthavong, organized a party in Ana’s honor (held on March 24, 2012), which was attended by family and numerous friends and colleagues she had worked with over the last 35 years.
Ana and Tom appreciated the visits that her sister, Lennea, and her brother, David, made with their families to their home over the last two years. During the past several months, Ana and Tom have enjoyed outings together, including trips to Daffodil Hill, Lake Tahoe, Napa and Fort Bragg. They enjoyed going to lunch all over town.
A memorial service for Ana will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., at Faith Legacy Church, 3532 Whitney Avenue, Sacramento, California 95821.
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