Rhoda H. Buss

Date of Death: January 29, 2011

Rhoda H. Buss, 96, of West Lafayette, died on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at St. Anthony Health Care. She formerly lived Reynolds.
Born Oct. 26, 1914, in Fresno, Calif., to the late Sam and Rubie Crane Hammat, she graduated from Fresno High School, Fresno State College and Columbia University.
In 1946, she married Norman Buss in Reynolds, and he preceded her in death June 20, 1966.
Mrs. Buss taught music at Chalmers, Wolcott, Round Grove, Tri-County and North White schools for a total of 321/2 years and retired in 1978 .
She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Reynolds where she was the organist and choir director.
Mrs. Buss was a member and past president of the Classical Ragtime Society in Indianapolis. She also was a member of the White County and Indiana State Retired Teachers associations.
There are no immediate survivors.
Surviving are a nephew Giles “”Dick”” Hammat (wife: Sharon) of Knoxville, TN, and nieces, Frances Hammat Kauffman (husband: Richard) of Grass Valley , CA, Betsy Hammat Jenkins (husband: Bill) of Summerville, SC, and Nancy Hammat Olson (husband: Peter) of Swampscott, MA, and many great-nieces and nephews. There are also several cousins including Charles A. Hintzman (wife: Kathy), West Lafayette, and a friend Connie Newell, West Lafayette.
Friends will be received 1 hour prior to an 11 a.m. memorial service on Saturday, Feb. 12, at St. James Lutheran Church, Reynolds, with the Rev. Charles Blakey officiating. Inurnment at St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Reynolds. Those wishing may contribute to the St. James Lutheran Church, Reynolds, IN or Tri-County K-12 Music.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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My mother, Betsy Jenkins, used to bring us to visit Rhoda. I enjoyed listening to her musical tapes that were sent to my mom.

I am so saddened to learn of the loss of this wonderful woman. She was my teacher, my mentor, my friend. I truly regret not having been able to sit down with her one last time for a laugh and sharing of a story. I know all of you will miss here and her unique sense of humor, as well as her grand talent. My prayers are with you.

-Kathy (Fletcher) Bainter
Graduate, 1973, Tri-County

I want to send my condolences for your great loss. I had not known Rhoda much prior to our grandfather passing in 1984. To say the beginning of our relationship was tenuous just might be an understatement (a story of me biting Rhoda at a restaurant was told to myself and girlfriend over Christmas; I was about 5 years old). But in typical Rhoda fashion she knew that she would eventually get through to me. The teaching this time was not music, but development of a child in manners, etiquette, and making sure that I grow up to be a gentleman. Looking back I hope that Rhoda saw the difference that she made; not only with myself, my family, but also everyone that she encountered. She was well known for the beautiful timeless music that she made. In fact when I hear any ragtime music I immediately think of her. Not only will she be remembered by her music, by the lessons that she taught, but also by the tough exterior, yet soft touch that in my mind defined who she was. I am truely grateful for having Rhoda in my life and I hope to pass on the lessons that were taught to me by her. She is missed and will never be forgotten.

We can only aspire to affect as many other people?s lives as did Rhoda Buss. She was an example for us all. Her passing leaves us less connected to past days of social life when we lived without things such as iPhones or the internet. For entertainment people connected in good conversation or gathered around the piano to sing. Rhoda was good at both. She was disciplined yet warm and happy. And she loved to play the piano. We will miss her, but we all have that something she passed on to us ? a way to live a full life.

Rhoda is a cherished friend who I really consider family. She will be deeply missed by both my husband and I. She entered my life nearly 30 years ago when I was a child and helped me become a better person. I always loved her appreciation for music, travel and games. Her ability to play anything was amazing. She made each piece of music come to life. Many visits were spent with her taking time to listen to me play the piano or accompany me on the flute even though I would never achieve great success. If she wasn&t making music then there were games to be played. You had to be a fast learner because there was no mercy no matter how old you were. A game of Flinch will never be quite the same without her watchful eye! She encouraged you to be the best that you could be and sometimes it was tough love. Many memories were made and advice given around a small kitchen table. Anything and everything was discussed. I will cherish those times always.

I love you, Rhoda

Sincerely,
Hanna Newell-Seyfert

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Rhoda, your energy for life and quick smile will be missed each day. May you rest in peace and God Bless.

I enjoyed being in the choir class, although not her star pupil... Mrs. Buss was a very memorable lady, always serious about imparting her wisdom to us, with a loving and gentle spirit. May Jesus be your comfort.

To the family of my favorite music teacher.
She was uplifting and always had a smile for you.
She always strived to bring out the best in you when you had music class, it was always a fun class. When I was little in grade school , i might have talked just a bit when I shouldn&t, but Mrs. Buss always had me and others in her class she knew what was going on sitting at the piano, because she had eyes in the back of her head.
I along with many others believed her, crazy huh but it was Mrs. Buss and some how in a young child&s mind it made sense. She will always be a favorite memory for me and have a special place in my heart. I was a lucky child for growing up in Wolcott and having Mrs. Buss for a teacher and inspiration for my appreciation in music. May God bless you all.

Respectfully Yours,

Sue Shanklin/Prifogle

Charlie and Extended Family,

We are so sorry to hear about Rhoda&s passing. What a tremendous
bearing she had on our lives. She was a truly a mentor to everyone
she met, and will be sorely missed.

To the family,
Rhoda was our piano teacher and friend. My mother was a life long member of the church and community. My parents sang in the church choir with Rhoda. She played the organ at my wedding. Just a few thoughts how Rhoda and Norman filled our lives. Sympathy to you and I know that there is a Choir singing up there now. Now they have a director too. The Busses and the other church members who have gone on before are having a great reunion.

Love to all,
Lynn and Kathy

I think we would all agree that Rhoda was an unforgettable woman. We all knew Rhoda in our own way, and I was lucky enough to know her as my great aunt. I&ve always know her to be honest, loving, and never afraid to speak her mind. She was a fantastic piano player and I will always remember sitting as a child and watching in awe as she tickled the keys. Rhoda has touched our lives in so many different ways and she will never be forgotten. I hope the fond memories we all have of Rhoda will last for the generations to come, and that we can all smile and celebrate the full loving life that Rhoda lived.
With love,
Raelene Kauffman

TO THE FAMILY OF MISS BUSS. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL TEACHER. I HAD HER IN SCHOOL AT TRI-COUNTY, REMINGTON. SHE TAUGHT US WAY MORE THAN JUST MUSIC. SHE WAS FUNNY AND SOOO SERIOUS ABOUT CHOIR. SHE WAS A LOVELY LADY. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. SHE HAD A GOOD LIFE.

Mrs. Buss was my Chorus teacher at Wolcott High School and made it easy to love music as she loved it so much!! Lots of fun preparing for contests and appreciating music to its fullest. She will be directing music with the Angels in Heaven!!

To the family of Rhoda Buss,

I taught at Reynolds many years ago with Rhoda. When my husband was gone for a week at a time or there was bad weather Rhoda would ask me to stay with her. My dog Bridget loved her so much. She use to sleep with her instead of me on our visits.
After I moved to Connersville and had three children she always kept in touch.
She would record her ragtime music and send the tapes to the three children and me. We so loved her music. My youngest son did a special project for school on the history of ragtime music, about Rhoda and played one of the tapes.
I have so many fond of memories of Rhoda. She was a great lady and always made me roar with laughter.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will play one of her tapes this week in memory of her.

Lubeth Pflum and family , Sarah, Seth and Jared.

I will sadly miss my dear friend Rhoda and will always have fond memories of the wonderful times we had together, the music we shared, the duets we played, and the loving guidance she gave me in my piano playing. I feel blessed to have had her in my life for over 20 years.

Not only was Rhoda a dynamic and influential person in our little town of Reynolds, but she was a close family friend. She was my piano teacher, and imparted a love of music to me that has continued throughout my life. Rhoda had a love of adventure and took us along for the ride! She was a role model for many with her grace and style. Rhoda was one classy lady. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will live forever in my heart.

Thinking of Rhoda and whisperinig a prayer for her!
Tommy Anderson Met and visited daily with Rhoda at Green Tree Assisted living. She was a delight at breakfast every morning!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.