Rhoda Louise Oyler of Trenton, Missouri, died June 9, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.

She was born 101 years ago during a snowstorm in the Forks of the River near Trenton.

She survived the storm on March 19, 1923, and faced many of life's other challenges afterward: the Great Depression, six months of wondering if her first husband, William Morris Robinson, was still alive while he was missing in action in World War II—he was later declared dead after his final mission as a tail gunner in Italy—droughts and floods on the farm, caring for ailing relatives, and—perhaps most importantly—dealing with her grumpy little brother, Charles.

They learned to share what little they had. Tramps from the nearby train would beg at their door for a place to sleep or a little scrap of food, even curdled milk. Their mother always found or conjured up something, like a bean sandwich.

Rhoda was grateful for what God gave her: growing up with her Davidson family, playing with her brother and their dog Rex, roasting chicken with her mother Bertha on Sundays, and going fishing with her father Frank. She spent time playing cards with neighbors, getting a new dress made from a flour sack, a pile of wild mushrooms, onions or berries, and a warm fire in the winter.

Rhoda and her husband Clifford raised their daughter Teresa on a farm in the same area, where one would meet neighbors in the middle of the road and stop to visit, sing in church or cook a meal for the farm.

They saw the wonders of nature every day at home and traveled to 49 states, Canada and Mexico to see a few more.

Rhoda had fond memories of her friends from school in Trenton and Chillicothe Business College, where she had worked as a homecoming chaperone, as well as her jobs in Kansas City and Trenton, at the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and at the Salem and First Baptist churches.

She leaves behind her daughter, Teresa Oyler of Trenton.

Her husband Clifford Verne Oyler, her father Frank Davidson, her mother Bertha Lee Hein Davidson, and her brother Charles Hein Davidson predeceased her.

Rhoda did not want a memorial service, but asked that donations be made in her name to the Green Hills Animal Shelter, 3041 E. 10th St., Trenton, MO 64683. Donations may be accepted through the Slater Neal Funeral Home, 813 Custer St., Trenton, MO 64683.

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