Rhoda was rather tall and thin of build, always neat in appearance and quiet by nature. she was a Hutchins in build and in manner. We have very little knowledge of her but we remember her in later years when she visited her half-sister Betty's family in Utah. aunt Rhoda as we cme to know her was a lovable woman. She had white hair which was quite thin but was pulled into a bun at the nape of her neck. She w always wore long sleeved dresses and well below her knees in length.
As young lady she met and married David Russell. Although they wee unable to have any children of their own they raised two brothers by the name of Russell. one of them married and they had two children. The boy was Ismael and the girl is Imogene Russell Wilbur. When the paraents separated Aunt Rhoda and Uncle Dave took the two children and helped raise them until the trip to Utah when they went to CA to live with their mother and step-father.
David Russell precedded Rhoda by death leaving her lonely but grateful for the happiness she received from a good marriage.
In writing to Imogene R Wilbur she was unable to give us information about Aunt Rhoda but we do know she was likely named Rhoda after a sister of her father Zachary Hutchins. We know of her physical appearance from personal knowledge and existing pictures. Imogene gave us the words to a plaque that hung on the wall in the Russell home. It may give us an insight into Aunt Rhoda throughout her life. "A friend is one who knows all about you, but loves you jus the same."
Thus in brief is Rhoda Hutchins Russell. May it instill in the heart of some in the Hutchins lines to find out more about this good woman. We know she came from good solid stock and therefore her life was full of service to her fellowmen.
Eileen Jex Peay]
Grand-niece of Rhoda
Grandaughter of Elizabeth Martisha