Minniedell Elizabeth “Del” Vollmer Rodts

Minniedell E. Rodts Aug. 7, 1928 - Sept. 3, 2014 BEVERLY HILLS, FL - Minniedell E, Rodts, 86, formerly of Mishawaka. There are times in life when the loss is too great and the grief is too much. For all those who knew her, the loss of Del Rodts on September 3rd, 2014 was such a time. She lived her life with grace, compassion, and love. She taught us to how to be strong, showed us what was important, and left an example of how to live a life in love.

Minniedell Elizabeth (Vollmer) Rodts was born to Oscar and Lenora Vollmer on August 7th, 1928. Her life with her parents and brothers, Chuck, Bill, Dick, Elmer, and Ralph, inspired a strong sense of family. Even in her last days, she felt blessed to have been a part of such a loving and dedicated family. It was a source of strength for her throughout the challenges that life would pose.

Del's dedication to family bloomed when she met the great love of her life, Alfred Rodts. Del and Al were married on June 26th, 1948. In the week before her death, Del remembered fondly the first moments of their romance and the beautiful family they created together. Providing their children with a solid education and a strong sense of dedication to others was a driving force for Del and Al. In doing so, they raised a family of six, each of whom went on to pursue lives dedicated to the betterment of others.

Surviving are their six children: Eric (Cyndi) Rodts, Diane Rodts (Charles Miranda), Lorraine Rodts (John Langley), Marianne Rodtsbrooks (Keith Brooks), Sheryl (Paul) Rodts-Palenik, and Alan (Marybeth) Rodts. Also left to celebrate her life are her brother, Ralph and sisters-in-law Barbara and Harriet Vollmer and former daughter-in-law Susan Penrod Rodts.

Del worked as a Cost Accountant for Uniroyal for over 27 years until her retirement. While most view retirement as a time to relax, Del viewed it as an opportunity to give back even more. She volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for ten years - even when she could no longer hold a hammer, she volunteered in Habitat's resale store, often staying late to help. As a woman of strong faith, Del worked to provide love and comfort to those around her. She lived her faith and lead by example. She was an active member of Queen of Peace Parish in Mishawaka and of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Beverly Hills, Florida where she was a member of the Council of Catholic Women. Del was a dedicated daily Mass attendee and as a member of the Blue Army engaged in a retirement mission of making thousands of rosaries which were sent abroad to the poor and the military. Del taught the art of rosary construction at her church and led the recitation of the rosary at a nursing home. She also volunteered weekly with Care Connection, engaging with Alzheimer's patients. In her last moments Del was surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Never alone for an instant, she left this world experiencing the love and dedication she worked to grow throughout her life.

She is survived by her six beautiful children, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. For those of us who knew her, Del was like the tide constantly pulling us back to what has true in this life. She propelled us forward with her silent strength and dedication. Her loss is felt like a ripple across the communities she touched and the legacy of love she has left behind will continue on for generations.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, Sept. 8th, 2014 at 10:30 am, with visitation at 10 am, Queen of Peace Parish, Mishawaka, Reverent John Eze, officiant. A rosary will be prayed for Del's soul on Sunday, September 7th, 2014 at the grotto at Queen of Peace at 1pm. Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Del had a special love for the poor and for children. In April, 2013, a kitchen was built in Malawi, Africa to feed over 800 children a daily meal of porridge at their school. The kitchen has been named Del's Kitchen in her honor. In lieu of flowers charitable contributions may be made to Mary's Meals.org (Del's Kitchen) or to her Parish. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

08/20/2022 EJS