Rhoda Louise Perkins Boyer passed away on April 3, 2026 at the Trinity Health Hospital in Ypsilanti, MI. She was born on April 25, 1948 in Columbus, OH to the late Frederic and Rose (Davis) Perkins.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Boyer, and they were married for over fifty-three years (August 20, 1972). She is also survived by her brother, H. Wesley Perkins (Lori Harter) of Rochester, NY; nieces, Jessica Perkins (Zach Bucuvalas) of Nashville, TN, and Kiah Perkins (Adam Samuels) of Havertown, PA, and brothers-in-law, Sam Boyer of Lima, OH, and Dee Boyer of Findlay, OH. There are also several grand-nieces and grand-nephews, whom Rhoda enjoyed very much.
Rhoda was a graduate of the former Pleasant View High School in Columbus, OH, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Kentucky. Prior to her retirement, she was the media director at Newark High School in Newark, OH, as well as media director in Livonia Public Schools in Livonia, MI in prior years.
Rhoda was a world-wide traveler and especially enjoyed traveling on safaris in Africa. She would take many photos and share them online and through presentations at the Chelsea Senior Center. Elephants and big cats were her favorites, but she had seen thousands of bird species and knew them all. Her memory was quite remarkable as many colleagues would ask her to help identify them. She enjoyed reading books, especially British mysteries, and had quite a book collection.
One of her favorite countries to visit was Kenya, where she helped to finance the education of the girls at a local village near Amboseli National Park. She was made an honorary member of the village, and this was greatly appreciated.
Rhoda enjoyed researching family history as well. Her knowledge will be greatly missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea, MI.
Arrangements are pending at this time, and will be finalized shortly.
