Obituary of Rhoda Lawrene Newlin

Rhoda Newlin, a long-time resident of Red Wing, died on Monday, October 3, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn. She was 88 years old. Born July 16, 1928, in Minneapolis, Rhoda attended South High. After graduation, she attended the University of Minnesota. In January of 1952, she married Dr. Charles Newlin, and the couple moved to Red Wing in 1955. They joined St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and served as the choir director for many years. Rhoda devoted her life to keeping Red Wing a vital, dynamic community. She served Red Wing as a member of the City Council for 8 years and served as a member of the State Board on Aging. She developed a program to help the elderly in Red Wing, called Friends of Seniors. She became the first female real estate agent in Red Wing in 1965. An accomplished musician, Rhoda enjoyed playing the piano, singing, directing and dancing to many types of music. Rhoda could take on any form of entertainment with enthusiasm and professionalism. She loved hosting events, directing shows and pulling a wide variety of talented people together for many causes and venues. She was the ultimate entertainer! Rhoda has been involved with many social groups, including bridge clubs, book clubs, and she served as President of the Women's Study Club. Chuck and Rhoda were members of the Red Wing Country Club, each enjoying opportunities for playing the game of golf and socializing. Rhoda is survived by her husband, Charles Newlin; her children, Linda Newlin Root (Chuck), John Newlin (Jean) and Brett Newlin; her brother, Byrne Benson (Mary); grandchildren, Joshua (Sara) and Molly Root; and great-grandson, Alexander Root. She was predeceased by her parents, Ben and Dorothy Benson; and her sister, Dorothy Kryck. A service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Kristen Schlauderaff. Light refreshments will be served at the church following the service. Anyone who would like to memorialize Rhoda is asked to contribute to the Sheldon Auditorium in her name.