Wisconsin health services secretary Kitty Rhoades dies at 65

MADISON, Wis. (AP) ~ Gov. Scott Walker’s office says the secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services, Kitty Rhoades, has died.

Walker’s office says Rhoades died Saturday in Madison after falling ill this past week. She was 65. The cause of death was not immediately known.

In a statement, Walker calls Rhoades “a vital part of our administration, a former colleague, and a dear friend.”

Rhoades had headed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services since February 2013, after serving as deputy secretary for two years. Before that, she represented the Hudson area as a Republican in the Wisconsin Assembly for 12 years. While in the Legislature she co-chaired the Joint Finance Committee.

Attorney General Brad Schimel says Rhoades “dedicated her career to improving the lives of Wisconsin citizens.”

The Oneida Nation expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary, Kitty Rhoades.

“Secretary Rhodes was a great friend to the Oneida Nation and she extended herself in the spirit of working to accomplish great strides in health care across the state”, said Oneida Nation Chairwoman, Cristina Danforth. Danforth notes, “Kitty was an extraordinary woman who was a staunch advocate for Wisconsin Tribes, her passion, intellect and honesty will be missed by us all.”