Roll Call Tribute

Published in (Pocatello) Idaho State Journal on Nov. 6, 2016

Jana Rhoads Godfrey(1954 - 2016)
Jana Rhoads Godfrey
February 27, 1954 - October 25, 2016
Well, I guess this will be the final holiday letter I write to my friends and family. I was born February 27, 1954, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Steve C. Rhoads, Jr. and Betty June Rhoads. I grew up in Pocatello where I learned to ski, found my artistic ability, served as Honored Queen of Bethel 1, Job's Daughters International, and helped plan the kidnaping of the Highland High School basketball team, plus a few more things that if you know about please feel free to share them now that I am gone. I had quite the time growing up! I graduated from Pocatello High School in 1972 and was happy to help with our Class of '72 reunions.
I got married 1974, had my son, Jason, and later got divorced. After attending Idaho State University for a while, I packed up my stuff and Jason and moved to Logan, Utah, where I attended Utah State University to finish my degree in advertising design. While in Logan, I met the love of my life, Emil Godfrey. After I graduated, we moved to southern California, where Emil and I got married pool side at a friend's house. While living in California, I worked in advertising, created Good Godfree Productions, won a few awards, taught a few courses, was a mentor to a few people, made some wonderful lifelong friends, threw some unforgettable parties, and had my twins, Logan and Tyler. In 1989, Emil and I quit our jobs, had an "I love L.A., but I'm leaving" party, loaded up the kids and moved to Seattle. We loved living there and I am glad that I was there the last year and a half of my life. In early 1990, Emil died beside me one night, leaving me with three children to raise. The grief was unbearable. I had my first out-of-body experience and a near-death experience. If you didn't get to talk to me about them in person, you may have seen me relate my experiences on television. Eventually the artist in me emerged again and I re-booted Good Godfree Productions and created "The Fine Art of Riding," focusing on biker art. I took my art, in the form of posters and shirts, to Sturgis for several years where I was known as that woman with the wild red hair.
I lived in many places over the years after leaving the Seattle area, including Pocatello and Denver. I arrived in
Texas just in time for the Hurricane Dean watch. A year later, I had just found a fantastic job when Hurricane
Ike hit. But as with any hurdle put in my path, I weathered the storm, got my Masters Degree in Non-Profit Management from Texas A&M; and bought my red Porsche. Having conquered Texas, except for the southern drawl, I moved back to Pocatello in 2010 to be near my grandchildren. In early 2015, I moved back to the Pacific Northwest. The past few years, I found a new outlet for my artistic ability in designing kitchens for Home Depot and Lowe's.
I loved living! I enjoyed attending live performances of music and theater; spending time and making memories with my children and grandchildren; planning and attending parties; and doing things for other people who needed help. I loved my family and cherished the time I spent with them, especially when we were having a party.
I passed away unexpectedly October 25, 2016 in Lynwood, Washington. Per my wishes, my organs were donated and my remains cremated. I am survived by my children: Jason Rhoads Dudley (Denise), Pocatello; Tyler Godfrey and Logan Godfrey (Troy Liljenquist), Seattle; my grandchildren Daisy and Hunter Dudley, Pocatello; and Adrian and Jordyn Liljenquist, Seattle; my siblings Alison (Russ) Amato, Stephen M. (Teena) Rhoads and Marijane Rhoads, Pocatello; and Johannah R. (Brian) Grant, Idaho Falls. I was preceded in death by my husband Emil - the love of my life; my parents, Steve C. Rhoads, Jr. and Betty June Rhoads; and my sister Kimberli Rhoads.
Following my wishes, my children are throwing a party to celebrate my life at "The Warehouse" (formerly Rhoads Salvage), 1009 So. 2nd, in Pocatello, Sunday, November 6, at 3 p.m. I will be there in spirit. Condolences may be sent to Jason Dudley, 633 E. Whitman, Pocatello, ID 83201 or Logan and Tyler Godfrey, 14516 Ash Way, Lynnwood, WA 98087. In lieu of flowers, I ask that you make a donation to your favorite nonprofit organization or do something to help someone else. Oh, and have a party!
Smooches, Jana