May 5, 1939 — June 12, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Rhona MacKenzie Armes; beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend, artist, teacher. Rhona passed peacefully in her sleep on June 12, 2026.

Born in South Porcupine, Ontario in 1939, Rhona was raised in Williams Lake where, at an early age, her somewhat stubborn personality was drawn to creative activities. In high school she fell in love with Gordon Armes. They married in 1959 and by 1965 they were an active family including 4 kids. While Gordon developed his education credentials between Williams Lake, Prince George, Bellingham and Kamloops, Rhona developed her love and skill in painting, mentored by Vivian Cowan and Sonia Cornwall.

Rhona loved to create and she loved to learn. She brought that passion to teaching as the Education Coordinator at the Kamloops Art Museum. Rhona continued to learn as she expanded her creative outlets to include charcoal sketching, stone sculpture, clay sculpture, wheel pottery and raku. As the Fine Arts Coordinator for John Peterson and South Kamloops Secondary she loved teaching and inspiring students to explore creative pursuits. When she retired to put more time into her pottery, she worked with the Thompson Valley Potters Guild as an outlet for her own work as well as encouraging others.

During the Pinantan years before Parkinson’s limited her activity, Rhona loved her OpenArmes studio where she ran a summer school of art. Enthusiastic grandchildren had magical adventures with colour and clay. Rhona loved her broad family including friends and was always ready to support.

Rhona will be missed by her family; her beloved husband of 66 years Gordon; children Trenton (Alison), Rory (Jean), Darcy (Angus), Chris (Dawn); their grandchildren Cleo, Jonas, Mathew, Abigail, Liam, Wyatt, Alicia; great grandchildren Emmalee and Everlee; as well as many extended family.

Join us to celebrate Rhona and her conviction that “I’m perfect because I’m female!” September 9th, 2pm – 5pm at the Coast Hotel in Kamloops

• Date : 2026-06-12
• Location : Kamloops