Obituaries

Rhea Martin Godwin

Photo of Rhea Martin Godwin
RHEA MARTIN GODWIN, 74, of Little Rock, Ark., died May 1, 2018, at home after a long illness. She spent many weeks and days surrounded by her family, friends and dogs – just as she wanted it. One of Rhea's favorite things was a good story. And specifically, she enjoyed and appreciated a well-written obituary that captured the person's personality, quirks and creative journey through life. So we wouldn't dream of sending Rhea off without an obit befitting her larger-than-life personality. Rhea's house was always bursting with life. There were the infamous Christmas Eve parties attended by her closest friends – and also by whomever didn't have a place to go. There were no strangers once they entered Rhea's house. Other occasions merited a party too (because why not?), and they included Easter brunches, Fourth of July get togethers, lavish Thanksgiving spreads and whoever was celebrating a birthday. Every party meant the house was decorated to the hilt with elaborate, beautiful themes that put Pinterest to shame. Rhea was maestro-in-charge of the decorating, along with her daughter Debra. There might have been a kerfuffle or two between the dueling decorating divas … but not many. Mainly, they just laughed, were personally responsible for the financial success of Hobby Lobby, and had a grand old time getting ready for the festivities. Rhea – aka "Queen Momma of it all" – also loved books and movies, which she loved talking about with her daughter Lisa and other friends and family. One of her favorite things was going to the movie theater, diving into a vat of popcorn the size of a Volkswagen and getting immersed in a great film. She also loved to read and had more books downloaded on her Kindle than a person could read in one lifetime. Although Rhea loved Arkansas, she was a "Texas girl" at heart and spent many happy years living there with her husband, Harvey Godwin. She appreciated the state's wildflowers, sassy attitude, generous spirit and "everything is bigger in Texas" approach to life. And then there are dogs. She loved dogs even more than she loved decorating, books, movies and Texas. Rhea leaves behind her beloved dogs Doogie and Opie, who now will go to live with their beloved second momma Debra. They will have a happy home, and Rhea is looking down at them with smiles and tears knowing they are well cared for (and spoiled). Her previous dog child was the beloved Max, who went to heaven in 2008. Rhea has now joined her late husband, Harvey Godwin, who died in October 2010 after 50 years of marriage. Together, they had an amazing life – filled with love, adventure, travel and hard work. Rhea is survived by her daughter Debra Keddie and son-in-law Michael Keddie, of Little Rock; daughter Lisa Godwin, son-in-law Rick Segal and granddaughter Olivia Caudell, of Salem, Ore. She was blessed with many special friends, both in Texas and Arkansas. Rhea was cared for at home for the last several years by Debra and Michael, both of whom were devoted and selfless caregivers. Rhea and her daughters also would like to thank Dr. Arpana Edala and her nurse practitioner Samantha Watt, for the loving care they provided during the last few years. Also, many thanks to Tonya, Tasha, Karen, Cindy, Jamie and Betty of Hospice Home Care. Together, all of them were exceptional caregivers and made a difficult journey much more bearable. At Rhea's request, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, she says those who knew and loved her should raise a glass of wine (her favorite beverage!) in her honor. She encourages funny, outrageous stories about her after she's gone … and she doesn't mind if people exaggerate a bit, as long as it makes the story better. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Published May 6, 2018

Upcoming Events