Rhea Laramie, 95, of Portage passed away Friday, September 29, 2023, in Chesterton, Indiana. She was born Agatha Rhea Brooks on April 28, 1928, in Casey, Illinois to the late Homer and Ethel Brooks.

Rhea married Robert Laramie on May 29, 1967, and together they raised 7 children. Rhea was a devoted homemaker - cooking, canning, baking, painting, quilting...she could do it all. She was a gifted and talented seamstress - having taken classes and taught classes throughout her life. Rhea made everything from curtains, furniture covering, and pillows to dress suits, mounds of pajama bottoms, and some matching doll clothes (and everything in between). At some point, she had even sewn for the Portage Historical Society. Rhea never knew a stranger and would greet everyone with a warm hug. But above all, she loved her family, extended family, their friends, and strangers. Her joyful heart, bright smile, giggles, and talks will be missed by all who knew her.

Rhea will be forever remembered by her loving husband of 56 years, Robert. Children: James (Linda) Castaldi, Kenneth (Beth) Castaldi, Randi (Thomas) Gift, Rebecca (Mark) Murphy, Kat (Rob Hultgren) Castaldi, and Robert (Diane) Laramie, Jr. Grandchildren: Jessi (Jeff) Dewberry, Nathan (Nina) Castaldi, Mike (Jenn) Castaldi, Jason (Alexis Wilson) Castaldi, Christi Dawson, Tara (John) Nicholson, Justin Murphy, Amber (Mitch Williams) Hanell, Ryan Hanell, Drew Hultgren, Erik Hultrgren, Jakob Hultrgren, Brandi Bartman, Kyle (Brianna) Laramie, Anthony Laramie, Stephanie (Matt McGowan) Laramie. 28 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Brother, Herbert (Marjorie) Brooks, and many, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Rhea was preceded in death by her siblings: Randall, Robert, and Junnela Brooks, Clarice Bachinski; and their son, Joseph Laramie.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, October 4th from 6-8pm and Thursday, October 5th from 10am-11am at Rees Funeral Home Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage IN 46368. A service will be held at 11am on Thursday, followed with burial at the McCool Cemetery, Portage, IN.