Rhoda Ray Ellett

I was very young when Rhoda, Jeff and their growing family left Victoria to live in WA, but I always admired her, even then. When she and Jeff came back for holidays, we had some lovely get togethers. My Mum (Rhoda’s Auntie) adored Rhoda throughout her life. They were always communicating by mail, even when my Mum was 100yo. Mum was always so happy to hear from her. Rhoda was always so in touch with everything. So alert and switched on. We had the pleasure of her company about 3 years ago at Trudy’s place in Perth. She still looked amazing, and so smartly dressed, and ever so straight and tall even though she wasn’t well. I know this is a very late notice, but our thoughts are with the whole family. I know she will be well remembered and missed forevermore by her devoted protégé.

Dear Ellett family, very best wishes and condolences to all the family, but particularly Christine, Nerali and Trudy. It is a hard to lose your Mum! Rhoda was a stalwart pioneer - an active contributor with a 'can do' approach to life. She was a good friend of my Mum, Dorothy - I remember them settling out for CWA, fully made up, high heels, etc. strategizing about the motions the branch needed to pass. In recent times, your Mum visited mine - always immaculately groomed and chatty - very alert to all that was wrong in the world, and sure of what needed to change. Both great organisers - I wonder who or what they are organising now!

I was very sad to just hear of Rhoda's passing. My love and condolences to all her family. Rhoda was a wonderful friend to me. Fay Kite

Dear Ellett Family, It was a lovely farewell for Rhoda. Thank you. As a kid I was always fascinated by your parents initials! JJ & RR :-) Now I know RR! Rhoda & Jeff helped the Leighton family during the early seventies & contributed to our family keeping the farm when Russell & Pattie sought employment in Perth. The Ellett Girls used to protect the smaller kids on the Wellstead Bus in the late sixties! Rhoda was an amazing contributor to the Wellstead community. She will be fondly remembered. Penny Moire

To all Rhoda's family and many friends It was through CWA that I met Rhoda and have fond memories of her warm smile, her willingness to do anything and her immense ability to help. Although we have lost touch since I moved to Kojonup from Denbarker, one abiding memory is from 1995 when South Coastal Division of CWA hosted the State Conference in Albany - were were decorating the Sports Centre (4 basketball Courts) and Rhoda drove up in the school bus, packed with loads of wildflowers from Wellstead. A wonderful lady who leaves many special memories and who will be much missed.

To Christine, Neroli, Trudy, Jamie, David & Roger A very beautiful service to farewell your awesome Mum. Thankyou for the opportunity to share in this commemorative service celebrating her 'full life', to hear all the amazing stories and to see and hear from so many members of the family. A wonderful farewell.

Condolences to the Ellett family. A lovely ceremony for a remarkable woman.

Aunty Rhoda, to me you always seemed strong yet elegant . Your amazing spirit lives on through your beautiful extensive family.. What a lovely ceremony, what a journey, what a life! xx

Rhoda a wonderful person, who will be sadly missed by family and friends. A true pioneer of the Wellstead community.

Heartfelt condolences to all of Rhoda's family. when I moved to Wellstead she was already a stalwart elder of the community and welcomed me with a trusty CWA cookbook which still comes in handy as a source of useful, practical knowledge. Always groomed and a lady, able to share her experiences with Jeff, with truth and wry humour, interested and so supportive of family, friends and her community. Time for another adventure with Jeff.

Love and Hugs to all the Ellett families I remember being on the school bus one time and the roads were very slippery and Mrs Ellett said don’t worry girls I used to race go karts. As usual we got home safe.

How sad am I that Rhoda has passed away. We met in Cranbourne in 1939 and so began 81 years of close friendship. We attended the Presbyterian Church and loved singing in the choir. We belonged to the CWA Younger Set and joined in all their activities. During the war years we knitted socks ans scarves for the soldiers as we chatted and walked around the street with the loose ends of the scarves hanging down our backs. As we grew older we both loved dancing and attended the local dances and this is where Rhoda met Jeff. In later years Eddie and I joined them on many memorable trips around Outback Australia and a tour of New Zealand. Wherever Rhoda lived she took such interest in the Districts activities and always offered to take part when needed. She will be remembered for her caring and friendly approach and will be sadly missed by all.

With the passing of Rhoda we have lost a valued friend and adviser. Always wise but supportive in what ever role she took on. She mothered not only her own family but countless other individuals she came across. As they came into our Wellstead district, Rhoda ensured they were welcomed. She also cared for many children in her role as school bus driver. Bill and I extend our deepest sympathy to members of Rhonda's family.

Condolences to all of Rhoda's special family. I know you will miss your Mum/Grandma/Super Grandma immensely. She was one of the most capable woman I have ever known & a very influential role model to me as I grew up. My fondest memory of Rhoda was when I was working in Wittenoom Pub in 1987. It was a hot Pilbara day & it had been a long afternoon. I strolled into the front bar & there perched on bar stools were to very familiar & friendly faces. It was like seeing my own parents - people who I had known all my life who knew me & my family VERY well. Here they were out in the middle of no-where & it was so very special to see them. I was invited to their 'famous' caravan for dinner & I just remember sitting there feeling like I was sitting with family. I feel so lucky to have known Rhoda and Jeff who were always active, generous, kind and involved in all aspects of life. May you both rest in peace & keep on having adventures.

At the end of life, what really matters is not what was bought but what was built; not what is got but what was shared; not competence but character; and not success but significance. Rhoda lived a life that mattered.