Rhoda Ruth Immer

Rhoda Ruth Rarick Immer, age 92, passed away on May 18, 2026 in Visalia, CA into the loving arms of our Lord and her devoted husband, Ken, of 62 years, at the time of his passing, eleven years ago. She was born on December 29, 1933 to Ivan Heath Rarick MD I and Ruth Marie Brendel in Cherokee, Iowa.

Rhoda’s father was a physician in the military during the depression years that caused her family to move frequently. Consequently, Rhoda ended up going to 13 elementary schools. It was often said this experience, made her one to be very outgoing and making friends was easy. This carried with Rhoda her whole life.

Following graduation from Placer High School in Auburn, CA, Rhoda attended college at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She liked to point out that she had to have a higher GPA in order to be accepted there, than men, at that time of her life. Rhoda went on to receive her B.A. Degree from California State University, Sacramento and M.A. Degree in Education California State University, Chico.

Rhoda started her teaching career in 1955 – she went on to teach for seventeen years, teaching all grade levels (kindergarten through eighth grade) and subjects, in the Sacramento-Auburn area. After moving to northern California, Siskiyou County, in 1973, Rhoda started as a reading teacher for Siskiyou County Office of Education and then moved into the education consultant position working with teachers on curriculum for History, Social Studies, English, Language Arts and Visual and Performing arts. She travelled to all the school districts in the county which was the highlight in her job. The students at many of the schools, especially the more isolated ones in the county’s river communities, would rush to greet her as she arrived with armloads of books and materials for the student’s. They called her the “the little lady in the little white car” because of the white Pinto she drove. In 1983, Rhoda was appointed Associate Superintendent in charge of Curriculum Services. A few of Rhoda’s accolades, included serving on the Editorial Board of the State Department of Education’s Course of Study Committee, Policy Board of the Northern California School Resource Committee and assisted in the development of the state’s Social Studies Framework on Reading. From teaching kids to teaching teachers, Rhoda had a full career in education; she retired in June 1993, after 38 years.

In retirement, Rhoda and Ken loved hosting their five grandchildren every summer. They called the grandchildren’s visit “Camp RhoKeno” – which always included a t-shirt for each kid with the logo “Camp RhoKeno.” The kids enjoyed swimming, bike riding, fishing and trips to Medicine Lake camping. Rhoda and Ken also traveled extensively, enjoyed many Jazz cruises, time spent at their places in Mulege and Cabo, San Lucas.

Rhoda was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where she thoroughly enjoyed teaching Sunday school and attending her weekly Bible Study group. Additionally, she was active in many organizations which included: American Association of University Women (AAUW), Panhellenic (Phi Delta Kappa & Kappa Kappa Gamma, ADPI), Bridge Groups, Tulare County Historical Society and Scrapbooking.

Rhoda is preceded in death by both parents, as well as, her two younger siblings, Ivan Heath Rarick MD II and Barbara Yates. She is survived by her eldest son, Steven Immer and wife Nancy, her second son, Heath Immer and wife Maureen and her daughter, Heather Thompson and husband Martin. Rhoda is also, survived by her five grandchildren, Chelsea Robbins (Casey), Gus Immer (Stephanie), Bradley Thompson (Roxanne), Holly Thompson (Chris) and Tyler Immer (Chanel) and her seven great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to AAUW college scholarship fund or an organization of your choice.

A private memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date in the fall.

The family wishes to sincerely thank all the staff and compassionate caregivers at Quail Park on Cypress and the nurses and care staff of Bristol Hospice.