Dian Rhoden, 1945-2022
From the Family
Longtime Valdez resident Dian Rhoden died peacefully in her home on Sunday, February 27, 2022. She was 76 years old. Her family will miss her positive attitude, strong spirit and generous love.
Dian was born in Houston, Texas, to David H. Rhoden Jr. and Ethel McDougald on July 5, 1945. She and brother David enjoyed growing up on the family’s land in Texas where she learned to ride horses, fish in ponds and swim in lakes. Her life became more adventurous when she moved with her mother to other parts of Texas, Montana and Alaska.
Dian first arrived in Valdez prior to statehood as a young girl. She attended her freshman year of high school in Old Town where many lifelong friendships began. Her sophomore and junior years were spent at Jefferson Davis High School in Houston while living with her father. She returned to Valdez her senior year of high school and graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1963. She was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Alaska Fairbanks where she attended for two years. She studied mathematics before returning to Valdez after the death of her father. She was an avid athlete and enjoyed the outdoor life in Alaska. Upon returning to Valdez, she worked at Gilson’s Café and Grocery Store where she met Jim Vculek in the summer of 1967. They married and raised two daughters in Valdez. The family attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, enjoyed fishing, camping, and snowmachining.
Dian was proud to serve her community. She was a member of Eastern Star Chapter No. 5 and also served on the Parks and Recreation Commission for over five years. During this time the City of Valdez began developing these projects: the Valdez Teen Center (currently known as the Ike Woodman Recreation Center), the Valdez Civic Center, the bike path and park strip improvements.
Dian’s marriage ended in 1982. She returned to Texas to work for her brother at his dental practice in Waco. While there she learned and enjoyed almost every position in the office. It was then she purchased Rocky, her beloved horse. She rode every weekend. She also competed in various bird dog hunting events with English setters.
Dian returned to Valdez in 1988 and worked for the local dentist. She then worked as a ticket agent for MarkAir when they opened an office at the Valdez Airport.
In 1999 she joined the Pioneers of Alaska. She was the longest serving President holding the office for 11 years. She was a member of the local ABATE chapter and enjoyed riding her motorcycle. She worked at the Museum Annex sharing her love of Valdez and knowledge of Old Town with everyone that entered the building. She also served on the board at the Valdez Senior Center.
Dian’s lifelong passion was riding horses. From the ages of 55 to 68 she rode at many ranches in Arizona, Montana, and Wyoming. She thoroughly enjoyed these adventures.
If Dian ever met a stranger, they weren’t a stranger for long. She enjoyed hearing people’s stories. She could learn more about someone’s life in the first 15 minutes of conversation than many people know about their friends of many years.
She lived a life of gratitude and was thankful every day for her Valdez home and the love of family and friends. Dian was full of life and will be remembered for her vivacious spirit and unique humor.
Dian was preceded in death by both of her parents, her son-in-law Alan L. Gage, and her former husband Jim Vculek. She is survived by her brother David H. Rhoden III, daughters Dalon Gage and Janel Vculek, grandsons Payton and Jarrett Gage, nephew David H. Rhoden IV and niece Ashley T. Rhoden and numerous cousins.
The family will host a celebration of life at the Valdez Civic Center on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Details to follow.
If interested, please consider donating to the Valdez Senior Center in the name of Dian Rhoden. (PO Box 1635 Valdez, AK 99686)
“Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.” ― D.H. Lawrence
