2017 Senate Joint Resolution 70
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Secretary Kitty Rhoades.
Whereas, Kitty Rhoades, a dedicated public servant, community and business leader, and loving wife and mother, passed away on June 18, 2016; and
Whereas, Kitty was born to George and Joan Richie on April 7, 1951, in Hudson, Wisconsin, and graduated from Hudson High School in 1969; and
Whereas, Kitty received a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 1973 and a Master's degree in education from Illinois State University in 1978; and
Whereas, she began her professional career as a teacher of at-risk youth and as a small business owner; and
Whereas, Kitty served as the director of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce and the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce in the Twin Cities; and
Whereas, Kitty was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1998 and proudly represented the people of the 30th Assembly District for 12 years; and
Whereas, during her time in the Assembly, she held several leadership positions, including cochair of the Joint Committee on Finance and chair of the Aging and Long Term Care Committee; and
Whereas, Kitty was named deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in January 2011 and secretary in February 2013; and
Whereas, in May 2014, Kitty was given the 2014 Outstanding Alzheimer's Advocate Award by the Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern Wisconsin for her work in reforming the state's system of care for those living with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia; and
Whereas, throughout her career, Kitty advocated on behalf of the elderly; caregivers; and those with dementia, mental illness, and physical disabilities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin State Legislature join in honoring the life and public service of Kitty Rhoades and extend their condolences to her family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to Frank Rhoades, Kitty's husband of 41 years.
