David Rhode

David Rhode of Zillah passed away January 22nd, 2025 peacefully at Emerald Care in Wapato. He was born March 8th, 1933 in Omaha, Nebraska to Albert and Mona Rhode. At an early age he along with his family moved to Satus, Washington to farm and raise cattle. He spent his younger years as a ranch/farm hand. Davey enjoyed breaking horses for Jack Shattuck and going fishing on the Satus and Dry Creek. Davey went to school in Granger but dropped out before graduating and enlisted in the Navy. He was deployed and served in the Korean War aboard the USS Brinkley Bass Destroyer as an Engineer from 1950-1955. While in the Navy he married his first wife Barbara, who passed away while he was deployed. After being honorably discharged, he returned to the Satus to farm with his dad. He took over the farm a year later after the death of his dad. In 1959 he met and married Luella Wolf. They welcomed four boys and enjoyed raising their family in the area he loved on the Satus. Many adventures unfolded for the family. They loved camping, fishing, trips to Canada and Sunday drives to local attractions. Dad went to work at the U&I Sugar Beet Factory in Toppenish and later owned and operated two gas/service stations in Toppenish. He decided to try his hand at selling cars for Harrison Ford in Toppenish for a few years but farm life drew him back. He owned the small farm where he raised cattle and worked for various farmers in the Satus/Mabton area. In 1978 he married Virginia Keech. They lived on the farm where they continued to raise the boys, later welcoming and enjoying grandchildren. Dad decided to retire after Ginny passed and moved to Zillah. He went back to work for Yakima Bait Company in Granger until his eyesight prohibited him from driving. He loved reading books and cherished any visitors that would stop by and have an afternoon beer with him. An injury in July sent him to Emerald Care in Wapato where he eventually passed. Dad was preceded in death by parents Albert and Mona Rhode, wives Barbara, Luella and Ginny, and sons Brian and Marty. Davey is survived by his sons, Ned (Terri) Rhode of Zillah, Grant (Michelle) Rhode of Satus, daughter in-law Susan Rhode of Kennewick, grandchildren Cheriese, Tara, Brittany, Joseph, Briana, Nicholas, Andrea, Kasey, Jacob, Angie, and Sammy as well numerous great-grandchildren. Viewing will be Thursday January 30th,2025 at Valley Hills Mortuary in Zillah from 4-6 pm. Graveside Services will be January 31st, 2025 at Elmwood Cemetery in Toppenish at 2 pm. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Rhode, please visit our flower store.