Rhea Ann Hitsman was born September 28, 1936 in Afton, Wyoming to Charles Franklin Rockwood and Margaret Shomaker. She returned to Heavenly Father on September 1, 2018 in Bountiful Utah. Rhea was married to her childhood sweetheart, Larry Burrell Hitsman on April 7th, 1955 in Los Angeles, California.
They met when Larry threw dirt bombs at her as she walked home from kindergarten. They raised three daughters and were parents to many foster children. As a youth, Rhea was a talented musician and played the violin in the Los Angeles All-City Orchestra (only one student per school was invited to participate).
They performed at the Shrine auditorium. Rhea was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including Relief Society President, Primary President and Secretary, and Young Women’s Counselor. She taught in the primary for twenty years.
Many were blessed as a result of her service. Rhea was known for her compassion and willingness to serve others. An example of this is when she and Larry loaned their car and camp trailer to a family that was stranded after they had their camper stolen while on vacation.
They had never met this family before and later became good friends. While in California she was an active member of the Doves, a women’s organization dedicated to helping battered women and their children. She also served for a few years on the election board of the local voting precinct.
Rhea had a sense of humor and could be a practical joker. Once she sent Larry flowers to his construction site and thought that was the funniest thing. She loved being a grandma and spending time with the grandkids, then sending them home.
Some memories they have of her are playing Skipbo, baking pies and cookies, going to the park, and listening to her stories. Later in life she and Larry enjoyed traveling to various places including England, Scotland, Germany, New England, and Northern California. She said that all of these places were breathtakingly beautiful and bear witness of God.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Arlene and her husband Larry. She is survived by her daughters, Rosalyn (Dean) Strickler, Linda (Bud) Tyner and Lydia (Jossy) Swain, 14 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. She was greatly loved and will be missed.
Thanks to those at Orchard Cove Rehab and South Davis Community Hospital for their loving care of Rhea while she was with them. Many have said that they loved her and how she always thanked them for helping her. Funeral services will be held at the Bountiful 15th Ward, 1250 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 10:00 am.
There will be no viewing. Interment will be in Roseville Cemetery in Roseville, California.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
