Rhoda was born in Cranbrook at the family home on Armstrong Avenue (9th Ave) and was the youngest of four children, born to Hilda and Girvan Moore. Girvan was a conductor for the CPR. Her siblings were Bill, Fred, and Pearl, all born in Cranbrook.

As a young girl, Rhoda was a member of the Mission Band, C.G.I.T and Young Peoples’ Group. Rhoda played the side drum as one of the original members of the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band. She also sang in the United Church Junior Choir. Rhoda liked to play badminton, tennis, piano, and ride her bike around Cranbrook even to Twin Lakes and Kimberley.

When Rhoda was in Grande 10, she started working at Manning’s Grocery Store measuring and preparing deliveries. Rhoda graduated from high school in 1944 and began her career at the Royal Bank in various positions for the next 37 years.

Rhoda met Alex Basaraba, the love of her life, at Fairmont Hot Springs in 1947. Rhoda and Alex were married at the United Church in Cranbrook by Rev. McDonald in 1949. Dad was a Mutual Life insurance agent.

Rhoda participated and volunteered in many community organizations. She was a charter member of the Jubilee Chapter #64 Order of the Eastern Star. Rhoda served as Worth Matron during 1971 and 1972. She was also a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Olana Club #16, an active member of the United Church, K40s, the Cranbrook Golf Club, the Cranbrook Curling Club, and the Hospital Auxiliary.

Rhoda spent many enjoyable summers with family at the cabin on Kootenay Lake. She had a large garden at the house on 8th St South. Rhoda enjoyed passing time playing bridge, rummikub, and cribbage with family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and we celebrated many family meals together. Rhoda was a great organizer, She was amazing at numbers and recollection; traits that she passed on to many members of her family.

Mom liked to travel after she retired. Rhoda loved cruising and went on numerous cruises with family members. She travelled to Europe several times with friends. She also enjoyed outings to the casino.

Rhoda was predeceased by her husband Alex (1968) and all of her siblings. Mom will be greatly missed by her children David (Diane Cameron), Terry (Kathy), and Rhonda (Dan) Murphy. She will be lovingly remembered by David’s sons Peter and Michael (Gabby); Terry’s children Andrew (Kayley; children Charlie and Sully), Kristy and Matthew (Kristen); Rhonda’s children Sean (Ashley; children Harbor, Cove, Sailor, Wavely), Patrick (Danielle; children Fynn and Owen), Brien (Jessica; children Amelia, James, Isla), and Ian (Nicole).

Our families would like to thank the staff at Kootenay Street Village and Shauna from Empathy Holm Care for their compassion and care of our mom. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rhoda’s name to a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held at 2pm on January 31st, 2026 at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook.

mcphersonfh.com