HUNTER - FULFORD - RODMAN, Ila Mae (Pat)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Thursday, March 11, 2010 Ila Mae (Pat) Rodman, 88, passed away March 4, 2010. She was born Sept. 23, 1921, in Morgan, Texas., to Brevice and Effie Stewart. As a young woman, Pat traveled with her husband, Glen Hunter, who was contracted with the government during World War II to construct beacons on Arizona Indian reservation lands. Her stories of life on the reservations were family favorites. After the war ended, Pat and her husband moved to California where she worked for the telephone company as a switchboard operator and had two children. She became a teacher and taught until her retirement in 1970. Lake Isabella, Calif., was her retirement home until she moved to Lake Havasu City 11 years ago. She was an active member of the Weldon Methodist Church, a member of Christian Women, and the VFW and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association Women’s Auxiliary in Lake Isabella, Calif. Pat will be remembered as a passionate woman who loved God, her country and family. She was an energetic person and especially talented with her hands, be it sewing, re-upholstering furniture, or rewiring the laundry room, she could do it. Vegetable gardens, grape arbors, and fruit trees flourished under her care. Her jams, preserves, pomegranate brandy, and canned fruits and vegetables were enjoyed by many. Pat was also a gifted cook who liked nothing better than “feeding people.” She enjoyed reading, fishing, being outdoors, and adored having her grandchildren visit for weeks at a time during their summer breaks. Pat is survived by her sister, Rosa Yamamoto, of Paso Robles, Calif.; sons, Glen Hunter, of California, and Linn Ray Berry, of Lake Isabella, Calif.; a daughter, Brenda Longshore, of Lake Havasu City; grandchildren, Kimberly Portz, Steven Portz, Jarrett Portz, all of Lake Havasu City, and John Portz Jr., of Lakewood, Colo.; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husbands, Glen Hunter, James Fulford, and Robert Rodman. A private family celebration of her life will be Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake Havasu City Food Bank. A special thank you from the family goes out to all the caring staff at Jasmine House Assisted Living for the dignity and respect extended to Pat during her stay with them and to New Hope Hospice for their care and compassion this past month. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory made arrangements.