Rhoda Votaw Obituary

Rhoda Dee Rippey Votaw CHARLESTON - Rhoda gently died on April 14, 2015, to continue her journey of the spirit. Rhoda was born in Cincinnati to parents Edgar and Dorothy Rippey, and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Alastair, her sister Katherine Duval of Cincinnati, five children, and ten grandchildren. Rhoda was a woman of many facets. She provided responsible leadership in The Episcopal Church in local, diocesan and national circles in four dioceses including the Episcopal Church in South Carolina, where she was appointed as Chaplain to Retired Clergy and Spouses and Survivors. An active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Charleston, Rhoda served as chair of the Planned Giving Committee, she was an original member of the Parish Choir, and was a lector and chalice bearer. Nationally Rhoda served as Deputy to three General Conventions of the Episcopal Church. She was the President of Sea Island Habitat for Humanity and a development professional responsible for campaigns that topped $60 million for private schools in Connecticut. She was a consultant to many development directors in Charleston and beyond. Her loves were gardening, painting, and most especially sailing. She had a steady hand at the helm, and found ways to get her boats to do more than anyone thought possible. She also asked her family and friends to do more than they thought was possible. An unselfish and retiring person, Rhoda was always quick to give credit to others. Her family was central to Rhoda; she liked to run a tight ship and had high expectations of her crew. Rhoda was a member of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross whose focus is on prayer and service for many around the world. Her faith was deep, personal and pervaded everything she did. In the last year of her life, she chose not to fight the brain cancer, but to accept it as part of her body and to adapt to make her life as fulfilling and fun as possible. She used her energy to make her world and her life as beautiful as she was able. Her perspective may well be the most important contribution she could have made, for she has inspired many others to consider how they want to use their energy in life. Services for Rhoda Votaw will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Wentworth Street on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. A reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Church of the Good Shepherd in Summerville SC, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, Kanuga Conferences Inc. in Hendersonville NC, or The Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, where she will be interred. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston