Barbara Rodda

Barbara Rodda was a small-town Iowa girl who became a proud Texan, proving that good things come in small packages. A devoted wife to Al, she was a loving mother to Kelly and Jason, a grandmother who adored her grandchildren, and a great-grandmother who lit up at the sight of the tiniest new faces in the family. To those fortunate enough to call her a friend, she was simply irreplaceable.

Barb always looked fabulous, with a great tan, a polished hairstyle, and a wardrobe that turned heads. She had a genuine gift for putting an outfit together and took real pleasure in it, right down to her beloved silver shoes that she wore until the end. A master multitasker long before the term existed, she could balance a phone between her ear and shoulder while cooking, folding laundry, feeding the dogs, or cleaning the house. Up before sunrise most mornings, she approached each day with purpose and energy.

In the kitchen, Barb was in her element. An incredible cook, she and Al together prepared countless meals for family and friends over the years. Cooking was one of her love languages, a quiet but heartfelt way of showing she cared. She held various jobs throughout her life, from helping at her father’s store to nursing, working as a merchandising representative for Gillette, and spending time at the Dallas Market for Karen Kane designer women’s wear.

Later in life, she found joy running an antique booth with her dear friend Cheryl, traveling to garage sales and fairs in search of treasures. Barb and Al were blessed with lifelong friendships that began in their Iowa school days. They gathered at the Iowa State Fair, vacationed together, danced and sang to their favorite ’60s music, and shared laughter that lasted a lifetime. She continued making new friends even in her final years.

Her greatest delight came with her grandchildren. After Kelly married Nick in 1991 and Jason married Kelli in 1995, the family grew with the arrivals of Karsen in 1994, Reese in 1999, Madison in 2000, and Molly in 2005. Barb watched them grow into adulthood with pride and joy. As three of her grandchildren married, she welcomed bonus grandchildren into her heart, and in time became a great-grandmother to Marshal Alan Rodda in 2024 and Bennett Smith Trussell in 2025.

She will be deeply missed for her spunk, her distinctive laugh, her silver shoes, and the abundant love she shared with so many. That love remains with all who were fortunate to know her.