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Sandra Rhoden

About


Sandra June Trudy Rhoden (nee Murphy) was born in Philip, South Dakota to Francis (Knute) and Marlyn Murphy. She is second of five children. She married Larry Rhoden in 1981. Sandy served as 2nd Lady of South Dakota from 2019 to 2025.

Sandy graduated high school in Madison, South Dakota, and attended college at Dakota State University where she double majored in Physical Education and Art. Her first teaching job was in Dupree, SD where she taught kindergarten, coached high school basketball, and started a cheer and dance team. She met Larry Rhoden through her twin sister, Debbie; the rest is history!

Sandy earned an elementary education degree from Black Hills State University. She taught multiple grades in rural Meade County, where she instructed tumbling and gymnastics and started the competitive Union Center Track team. She received the Teacher of the Year Award in 1995 from Meade 46-1 School District and is included in the Who’s Who Among American Teachers.

Sandy is active in the Community Baptist Church of Union Center. She has written the Central Meade County News since 1999. She co-authored and illustrated a book with her sister, Marletta, “I’m a Little Legislator and Proud of It.” She has been active in the local and state organizations of the Federation of Republican Women, serving as the State President from 2019 to 2020 and receiving the 2024 Marie Rashkee Award. She serves on the Board of Directors for South Dakota Kids Belong.

Sandy enjoys spending time with her husband Larry and their four sons, four daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren: Jesse and Sarah and their children Ladd, Sully, and Gus; Cody and Liz and their children Tally and Josey; Reggie and Jennifer and their son Lincoln; and Tristen and Kalen and their daughter Birkin.