Allene "Toots" Rhead Obituary (1922 - 2013)

Allene "Toots" Ruth Rhead of Menomonie, WI died Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Mayo Clinic Health System – Menomonie of age related illness. The former Allene Ruth Mattison was born February 2, 1922 in Menomonie, WI to Hjalmer and Minnie (Wold) Mattison. She graduated from Menomonie High School in 1940. On December 19, 1953 Allene married Ernest "Cy" Rhead and resided in Menomonie her entire life. She worked at Wisconsin Milling Company, an insurance office and owned Rhead Candy Company with her husband Cy. Allene is survived by her children, Dennis (Ann) Rhead of Elk Mound, Terry (Lori) Schaefer of North Carolina, Cheryl (Dick) Beguhn of Menomonie and Susan (Jeff) Kutner of Idaho; a sister Betty Schlough of Menomonie; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. The family would like to give a special thank-you to Grandma's Helpers, Tina Heir and Nancy Johnson, who allowed Mom to stay in her home until the end. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Cy; and her sister Marlys Hinzman. Allene touched a lot of lives from Wisconsin to Florida to Idaho. Everyone knew her as Toots, though her given name was Allene. Her sons-in-law called her "Mil" (mother-in-law). Toots was everyone's favorite mom and will be lovingly remembered and missed by all who were blessed to know her. She is happily dancing with Cy again, to the music of Lawrence Welk's accordion and band. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, with Diaconal Minister Heather Kistner officiating.. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3:30 until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie. The family suggests memorials to Peace Lutheran Church or the charity of donor's choice.