Pamela Neil Rhodes

Pamela Neil Rhodes, age 77, of Tacoma, Washington, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025.

Pamela Joyce, or “Deed” as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was born on November 8, 1948, in Tacoma to Lloyd and Barbara Neil, who preceded her in death. Growing up in Tacoma and University Place, she graduated from Curtis High School in 1967. During her high school years, she was actively involved in theater, starring in The Music Man and Brigadoon. Pam attended the University of Washington, majoring in Drama, and was an active member of the Tri Delta sorority. She later served as a Tri Delta sorority advisor at the University of Puget Sound and as the music leader for the Tri Delta Convention in Indianapolis.

After college, Pam dedicated over 50 years of her career to Suburban Opticians of University Place, a business she co-owned with her father. She worked alongside her sister, Melissa, until her passing and was adored by her loyal customers. Pam cherished her Suburban Opticians family and maintained close friendships with her employees over the years.

In 1980, she served as president of the Tacoma Executives Association and remained active throughout her career. Pam was also a board member of the Better Business Bureau and was subsequently recruited to join TORG, The Optical Retailers Group, where she was a committed member for almost 20 years.

A longtime parishioner of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Pam was an avid choir member, known for singing solos and her unwavering presence at Sunday services, Easter, and Christmas Eve. She also volunteered in numerous positions.

Pam's interests included crocheting, sewing, singing, decorating festive tables, traveling, shopping, savoring a good glass of wine, and spoiling her grandchildren. Always generous, she regularly donated to worthwhile causes and had a “the more the merrier” attitude at every party she hosted. Pamela had a special love for babies and spent countless hours making blankets for the Mary Bridge Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She will be remembered for her big smile, sparkling jewelry, loud infectious laugh, and her ability to bring joy and fun to any occasion.

Pam is survived by her husband, Ken Rhodes of Tacoma; her daughter, Katy Erickson (Ryan) of Tacoma; her son, Jeffry Rhodes (Meagan) of Issaquah; her brother, Michael Neil (Sue) of Gig Harbor; her sister, Melissa Rodriguez (Thomas) of Lakewood; and her five grandchildren—Ava, Ila, and Eda Erickson, Roslyn and Russell Rhodes—who lovingly called her Mimi, along with numerous nieces and nephews who adored her.

A memorial service will be held on January 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Tacoma, with a reception following immediately thereafter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local food bank, Nourish of Pierce County, or the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.