Aimee's obituary, extended

This is a longer version of the obituary we ran for Aimee in this week's Sunday papers.

Aimee Mildred (Richmond) Rhoads passed away on Dec. 18, 2011. She was born on April 11, 1975 to Terrance and Donna Richmond of Milan, Indiana. An artistic and bright child, Aimee excelled both in her studies and in ballet, which she pursued in her mother’s ballet school. Aimee graduated Milan High School in 1993 and attended Vanderbilt University. Majoring in childhood development, Aimee began her preparations to be a family therapist and counselor. After graduating from Vanderbilt in 1997, Aimee moved to Tacoma, Washington to attend the University of Puget Sound for a Master’s program in Pastoral Counseling. Once graduating and becoming a licensed therapist, Aimee has helped hundreds of families and individuals work through their difficulties to find meaning and peace in their lives.

In 2003, Aimee met the love of her life, Patrick Rhoads. Pat and Aimee were married in 2006 and two years later, welcomed their daughter Rowan Rhoads into their family. While Aimee found success in academia and professional life, few would argue that Aimee’s greatest calling came as a loving mother to Rowan. Aimee’s patient kindness, love, and ceaseless attention to her daughter’s growth and development is rivaled only by her care for her father Terry Richmond while he battled colon cancer for two and a half years. Though Aimee’s life was cut tragically short, she joins Terry in heaven.

Aimee is survived by her loving husband, Pat Rhoads, and her 3 year-old daughter, Rowan of Federal Way. Aimee also leaves behind her mother Donna Richmond, also of Federal Way, and her brother Justin Richmond of Potomac, MD. More information on the tragedy that took Aimee’s life and how to help can be found at www.missingaimee.blogspot.com.