Charles 'Chuck' Rhodes, 79

Sheriff Charles “Chuck” Rhodes (ret.), passed away peacefully on May 5, 2014, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, at the age of 79. He was surrounded by family and cared for by the most wonderful staff imaginable. He had struggled for many years with Alzheimer's, yet, he always sensed when his family was near him. Chuck was known for his dazzling smile, his impish sense of humor, and for his drive to make sure everyone was taken care of and safe.

Chuck entered the world on Jan. 20, 1935, in Kalispell. He was the first-born child of Elmer J. and Gertrude “Goldie” McCullough Rhodes. He lived in Somers, Kalispell and Columbia Falls, graduating in 1954 from Flathead County High School.

Chuck had three loves — family, military and law enforcement (which included search and rescue and posse). The order in which he loved them depended on what was going on at the time.

In 1956 he married the love of his life and best friend, Catherine “Kitty” Fleming. They had two children, Scott and Carrie. “Family” also meant pets. Chuck was always finding this dog or that horned lizard that needed to be brought home. At one point, there were over 100 creatures, encompassing 10 different species living at his house.

Chuck entered the Montana National Guard at age 17 as a buck private, retiring as a lieutenant colonel at the age of 60. He was one of the original three EMTs with the ALERT Air Ambulance and was also a lifetime member in the Flathead County Sheriff’s Posse and the Flathead County Search and Rescue.

To serve and protect his community, Chuck dedicated 27 years to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, the last eight as sheriff/coroner. One of his key goals was to replace the dungeons of the original jail house with a modern facility in the new Justice Center.

After “retirement,” Chuck and Kitty were campground hosts at Spotted Bear for 11 years during the summer and “desert rats” in Quartzsite, Ariz., in the winter.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Goldie Rhodes; sister, Verda Stevens; and half brother, Cecil Rhodes.

Chuck is survived by Kitty, his wife of 57 years; daughter, Carrie “Dusty” Roth, and Jan; son, Scott Rhodes, and Naomi; and three sisters, Ella Mae Stevens, Ruby Rhodes, and Velma Treat and Dwight. He is also survived by five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several other relatives.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. today, May 8, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment will be at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Montana Veterans Home, Flathead or North Valley Search and Rescue, or a charity of your choice in Chuck Rhodes’ name.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.