Kitty Rhoades, 65, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016 due to pneumonia. Her family was at her side. Kitty was born on April 7, 1951, the first child of George and Joan Richie. She was followed by six brothers, no sisters. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1969 and the University of Wisconsin – River Falls in 1973. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from Illinois State University in 1978.  Kitty married Frank Rhoades on June 21, 1975 and together they raised three sons, Chris, Matt, and Mike.

Kitty had an accomplished professional career. Kitty was a teacher of at-risk youth, a small business owner, and the executive director of the Hudson and St. Paul Suburban area chambers of commerce. She was elected to the State Assembly in 1998 and served for 12 years. During her time in the Assembly, she served in leadership positions including co-chairing the Joint Finance Committee. In 2011, she was appointed as Wisconsin’s Deputy Secretary of Health Services and two years later was appointed Secretary of the department. Listening was her priority and Kitty was always willing to speak with constituents. She was a proud public servant with a leadership philosophy focusing on teamwork, often stating, “we’re all in this together.” Kitty was committed to ensuring all she represented felt as if they had a voice, especially those suffering from dementia, mental illness, and disabilities.

While Kitty’s achievements in Madison are impressive, family was always her priority. Kitty passed away just three days shy of her and Frank’s 41st wedding anniversary.  Frank and Kitty filled these 41 years with unwavering love and commitment to one another.  After helping to raise six brothers, Kitty raised three sons of her own. They were her pride and joy.  She was the bedrock of a large family who loved her much and misses her dearly. You could always count on Kitty for frank advice, advice on Frank, a shoulder to lean on, and a timely laugh.

She is preceded in death by her father, George; sister-in-law, Jeanne Richie; and niece, Chloe Richie. She is already greatly missed by her husband, Frank; sons, Chris (Nicole), Matt (Lisa), and Mike (Janine); mother, Joan; brothers, David, Tony (Karen), John (LeaAnn), Mike (Mary), Matt (Mary), and Joe (Dawn); and many relatives and friends. 

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson, with a visitation held one hour prior to the Mass at church. Interment at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed to Kitty’s favorite dementia-related charities.