Barbara Rhody, age 88, of Brookings and formally of Toronto, SD passed away on Friday, May 29, 2020 at Stoney Brook Suits in Brookings. Due to the current CDC guidelines there will be a private family service with burial at the Blom Prairie Cemetery West, rural Toronto. Houseman Funeral Home of Clear Lake is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to Judy Falken 1632 Overlook Ridge Road Brookings, SD 57006 Barbara Beatrice (Bostic) Rhody died on Friday, May 29, 2020, with all of her grown children and her more than 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren grateful to have shared in her full and loving life. Barb embodied kindness, generosity, devotion – and she brought to family and friends boundless joy throughout her life. She was 88 years old. A funeral service will be held privately, limited to immediate family out of care and concern for family and friends because of the coronavirus pandemic. Barb was born on March 12, 1932 in Holland, MN to James and Marie (Schnepf) Bostic. Her parents had a blended family of seven children; together they had another five girls. They moved the family of 14 to the Brandt area in 1938. With the exception of a one-year stay in Kallispell, MT, Barb grew up in Deuel County and attended high school in Astoria. She graduated from Astoria High School in 1950. She married Arlen Rhody on July 1, 1950 in Canby, MN. The couple honeymooned in Watertown, SD. They began their life together in Clear Lake, moving locally a few times. They moved to California for a year, but ultimately returned to Toronto and bought the Rhody homestead farm in 1961. Barb and Arlen were happily married for 55 years and had six children together, spanning 22 years. Barb helped with farming and milking while affectionately raising three boys and three girls. She was an excellent cook and did lots of it, often preparing full meals throughout the day, beginning at dawn. She loved planting flowers, decorating and entertaining. Arlen and Barb often hosted large family gatherings at the farm that brought together siblings and cousins from across South Dakota and neighboring states. Arlen and Barb also developed life-long and cherished friendships with many families in and around Toronto, and the couple enjoyed going to dances, playing cards and, eventually, traveling south in the winter months after their children were all grown. Barb always worked hard. In addition to the farm, she had several part-time jobs as her children got older. She worked at Coast to Coast, the White Nursing Home, the Toronto Café and at Wal-Mart. She was a member of Leganger Lutheran Church in Toronto, a local ladies Extension Club and American Legion Auxiliary. Her greatest joy came from her large, loving family. Barb was always cheerful with a smile and kind, supportive words. She was extremely patient and giving, and she was a wonderful role model to many. She loved spoiling her grandchildren. Barbara is lovingly remembered by her children Roger (Kim) Rhody of Brookings, SD; Judy (Dennis) Falken of Brookings, SD; Danny Rhody of Toronto, SD; Steve (Carlene) Rhody of Toronto, SD; Jane (Judd) Stoltenburg of Lincoln, NE; and Diane (Kevin) Dobbs of Sioux Falls, SD. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Emily Javens; Sarah (Ed) Gruenes; Jennifer (Mike) Barber; Allen (Cady) Falken; Valarie Falken; Adam (Kellie) Rhody; Pam (Clay) Nielsen; Dustin (Nikki) Rhody; Nick (Brandi) Rhody; Becky (Austen) Hanten; Rob (Kailie) Rhody; Kate (Carlos) Rhody; Nate (Caitlin) Stoltenburg; Jessie (Ryan) Starmer; Travis Stoltenburg; Kaleb Dobbs; Sam Dobbs, Elle Dobbs; 24 great-grandchildren; and her sister Dorothy (Dale) McPherson. She was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Rhody; a great-granddaughter, Presley; and 10 siblings.