Rhoda Gilliland

Rhoda Marian Bloomfield Gilliland passed away in Cody, Wyo., Dec. 12, 2016, on her 100th birthday.

She was one of seven children born to Conrad and Mary (Carlson) Bjerke and was born in Conway, N. D. The family moved to Bowdoin and Malta, Mont., then moved to Powell, Wyo., in 1932 where Rhoda finished her last two years of high school.

After attending Billings Business College she became a bookkeeper for the Ben Franklin Store and later was employed as secretary for Taggart Construction Company.

In 1940 she met and married Rex Bloomfield. The couple lived in Elk Basin and Oregon Basin where Rex was employed by Ohio Oil Company. After being transferred to Grass Creek they made their home in Thermopolis. Mr. Bloomfield died in 1981. In 1992 Rhoda married Robert Gilliland. While in Thermopolis, Rhoda worked for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as a secretary.

She loved to read and cook. After joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1964 she served as secretary and teacher in the Primary and MIA Organization. She then served as secretary, Education Counselor and President of the Relief Society and was a Ward Librarian and Spanish Name Extractor in the Genealogical Program of her church. Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland delivered Meals on Wheels for the Senior Center for many years.

Upon moving to Cody, she became active in the Cody Church. In December, 2015 she moved to the Long Term Care Center.

She is survived by her nieces, Judy (Bob) Capron, Zena Wagoner, and Robbye Wolf; nephews, David (Donna) Kindler, Kibben Bjerke, Dale (Tammie) Bjerke, Alan (Kathy) Butler, and Dale (Susan) Butler; and many people who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Rex and Robert; brothers, Lee, Grant and Bill Bjerke; and sisters, Avis Bjerke, Eileen Kindler and Betty Butler.

Funeral services were held Dec. 19, 2016, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Leon Bud officiating. Burial followed at Riverside Cemetery.

Mortimore Funeral Home assisted the family. Online remembrances may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.