Rhoda L. Hettick

Rhoda Lorraine (Farrell) Hettick, 92, of Sandy Lake, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025. Rhoda was born to the late Martin ‘Whitey’ and Lorraine Farrell on May 26, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Rhoda went to Catholic School in Millvale during her elementary years. In April 1945, her family moved to Sandy Lake to the Farrell Farm. Rhoda graduated from Sandy Lake High School in 1950, where she formed many fond memories including her time spent working as a waitress at the Vengold. Afterwards, Rhoda joined the workforce as a loan officer with the Farmers Home Administration, dedicating 40 years to the organization before retiring in 1990. 

Rhoda married her late husband, Ralph H. Hettick, on August 6, 1955, and loved her ‘Deary,’ cherishing their life together until his passing in 2017. 

Rhoda has been a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church since 1945 where she served faithfully. Rhoda’s lifelong dedication to her faith infused her daily actions with wisdom and compassion. Her faith served as a steady foundation for leading her family with strength and fairness. 

In her time to herself, Rhoda had a passion for painting, taking classes on painting and watching the famous Bob Ross’ videos. She started her artistic journey creating beautiful charcoal drawings of her family. A great deal of this knowledge came from taking painting classes at Rachel Griffin’s studio in Sandy Lake. 

Rhoda was a member of a card club, a member of the National Association for Retired Federal Employees, and a member of the square-dancing group, Star Promenaders. Rhoda would dance joyfully beside her husband wherever they went. In her earlier years, Rhoda enjoyed biking, roller skating and swimming at Stoneboro Lake with her friends and family. 

Rhoda especially loved spending time with her family at their camp, located near Marienville, enjoying the challenges of cooking in a rustic setting using water hauled up from the local spring. Later in life, she treasured moments fishing with her grandson at Lake Wilhelm, basking in the sun by the pool with her lifelong friends, and cherishing time with her newest best friend, Finnegan. 

The most important thing to Rhoda was her family. Whether hosting holiday celebrations or casual get-togethers, she expressed her love through her home-cooked meals and baking. Rhoda specialized in pies, and would receive many compliments on her recipes, even winning some competitions. Although she did have many tasty and delicious recipes, black raspberry-blueberry pie was her staple dish. Rhoda, her love, her hugs, and her pies will be deeply missed. 

Rhoda is survived by her son Kelly James (Heather) Hettick and her daughter-in-law Frances (Troy Beilstein) Hettick. Her grandchildren, Stacey (Nathan) Warner, Lisa (William) Burleson, Jade Hettick, and Alexander Hettick; and her great-granddaughter, Riley Burleson, are left to cherish the fond memories of Rhoda that they hold dear. Rhoda is also survived by her siblings Patricia Lofink, Martin Farrell, Terry Farrell, Judy (Tom) Flinn, Patrick (Debra) Farrell, and Sherry Farrell. 

Rhoda is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son, Jeffrey Thomas Hettick. Her siblings, Mary Ann Hart, William Farrell, Elizabeth Jean “BJ” Estes, Joannie Bartolone, Kathleen McFadden, and John Farrell also preceded Rhoda in death.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 99 Franklin St. Stoneboro, PA 16153. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 17, from 2pm-4:30pm with a funeral service to follow.

In lieu of flowers and in accordance with Rhoda’s wishes, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Lakeview Area Backpack Program.

Donations can be sent to the following address or made through the link provided. In order to assure that the donation goes to the correct foundation, donors are asked to specify which foundation it is supposed to go to when making a donation. 

Community Foundation of Western PA 

7 West State Street, Suite 301

Sharon, PA 16146

https://cfwpeo.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5953