Yvette Franette Rhoads, affectionately known as "Vetzie," of New Albany, IN, passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021 at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville, KY at the age of 45 years old.

She was born on April 21, 1976 in Waxahachie, Texas to the late Francis Arlene Rhoads and Irma Armandina Uresti Rhoads.

She is preceded in death by two of her adored fur babies, "Patches" and "Jewels."

She is survived by her identical twin sister, Yvonne Dionne Rhoads Fields and her brother-in-law David Andrew Fields of Corydon, IN. She also leaves behind her two beloved fur babies, "Nuggie" and "Presley," who will now be cared for by her sister.

Yvette had a brilliant academic mind and obtained a Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Bachelor's Degree in International Global Business Development, and an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and Supervision. All three of her degrees were summa cum laude (4.0 G.P.A.), with the very highest distinction. She was a member of Delta Mu Delta, Phi Theta Kappa, International Honors Society, National Deans List, and Who's Who of American College Students. She was a twice published author for the Graduate Research Journal. She was pursuing her Doctoral Degree (PhD) and currently writing her thesis when she passed away.

She had an extensive and decorated career, most recently in Risk Management at The Schulte Hospitality Group and Texas Roadhouse Corporate Headquarters. She previously worked in Audit Services for LG&E, Federal Litigation for Gibson & Sharps Law Firm, and as a Legal Assistant for Mapother & Mapother, all located in Louisville, KY. She was a member of the Greater Louisville International Professionals and the Young Energy Professionals.

Yvette was fluent in both English and Spanish and often served as an Interpreter in the legal field and as a Translator in the academic arena. She was in the process of learning ASL when she passed away.

Yvette firmly believed in giving back to her community. She served on the Board of Directors for the Dream Factory of Louisville, and was a Committee Member for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She also volunteered for Special Olympics and Women's Habitat for Humanity. She was a fixture on local television as she was often the spokesperson for various charities. Never having had any children of her own, she cherished going to local hospitals in the evenings to hold and rock newborn babies born addicted to drugs so that they could have human contact and thrive. She often sang lullabies to them in the wee hours of the night, and was on a first name basis with many doctors and nurses. She loved visiting with the elderly and listening to them render their life stories. She often transcribed their accounts for their family's posterity.

Yvette was an astute business woman from a very early age. She started a candy vending business in her teenage years while still in high school. She was known as "The Candy Lady" by many. By the age of 22 years old, she was able to purchase her very first car, a limited-edition Jaguar. Collectors were keen to make her offers throughout the years, but she always refused them because that was her "tootin around town car." By the end of her life, she had become an avid and successful investor herself.

Yvette will always be remembered as someone who exuded love, warmth, joy, happiness, kindness, and thoughtfulness. She had a megawatt smile that could literally light a room up, and was often complimented on her teeth, especially by Dentists. Yvette possessed an extremely vivacious personality and never met a stranger. It was very common for total strangers to approach her and tell her how "exotic" she looked. Some would ask if they could touch her hair or hold her hand, and she would allow them to do so within reason. People always gravitated towards Yvette and wanted to be near her energy. She traveled the globe extensively during the course of her education, employment, and for pleasure. She loved going to other countries and learning about their cultures, customs, and local cuisine. During recent years, she had become a professional "Cruiser" and traveled most of the world's oceans. Many sought her advice on booking cruises because she acquired a knowledge of "insider secrets" through her own personal experiences. She met many lifelong friends on these cruises and locals at the ports. Yvette could wholeheartedly say that she had a place to stay anywhere in the world at any given time. She loved sipping wine while painting, crafts, and working in her yard with her flowers. A "good" day was relaxing in her recliner with a good book and having her fur babies curled up on her lap. For her, the world stopped when Game of Thrones came on, as she was one of its biggest super fans. She also loved watching "Little House on the Prairie" through a different lens of perspective. She would watch these episodes with her sister so they could analyze them together. She loved to catch bloopers. Yvette had a voracious appetite for reading, and would consume no less than 20 books a year. She loved going to bookstores and book signings and had many personally autographed copies of her favorite works. She started a small book club to expand and discuss her literary experiences in an open and nurturing environment. She had an extremely curious mind and was a meticulous researcher. Her family and friends often called her their own personal private detective. If there was a mystery to be solved, Yvette would "get to the bottom of it." She had a penchant for details and was an exceptionally organized person. Both friends and family would often request her to come to their homes and "organize" them so they could have "a house like hers." She had an extraordinarily high standard for cleanliness.

Yvette always gave her full effort in everything she set her mind to do. She had a very strong sense of self and a strong constitution with a will that could never be broken.

She faced and overcame many adversities in her life from very young age and was proud to say "I'm still standing!"

Yvette encompassed friendship and goodwill, and had an infectious and contagious laugh that could warm the coldest of hearts. She possessed a warm and glowing light which enveloped those around her with pure love. She will be greatly missed by everyone who came into contact with her. She leaves behind her "other half" to safeguard her life's legacy and cherish her memory for eternity.

Her memorial service will be private.

Any expressions of sympathy may be sent to: PO Box 321, Corydon, IN 47112