Rodney Dwight Noel, known to many simply as Rod, passed away on October 26, 2026, in Vernon, Arizona. He was born on December 17, 1948, in Glendale, California, and lived a life marked by curiosity, service, and a deep commitment to teaching and to the people around him.  He was known as Mr. Noel to his students and Rod to all that knew him.

Education and learning shaped the course of Rod’s life from an early age. He earned an associate’s degree from Schiller College in Kleininghein, Germany, an experience that also opened the door to wider horizons as he backpacked through Europe during his younger years while attending school there. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from California Lutheran College in Thousand Oaks, California, later completed his teaching degree in Seattle, Washington, and pursued his degree in Bergamo, Italy at the American Montessori Internationale School, from 1974 to 1975. These experiences formed the foundation of a long and meaningful career in education.

Rod devoted his professional life to helping young people grow. He owned his own private Montessori school in Kirkland, Washington from 1974 to 1986, and from 1987 to 2012 taught in Montessori schools as well as in Denver Public elementary and middle schools. His work reflected both discipline and compassion, and his influence reached students across many years and classrooms. Rod was also a published poet.  He was twice inducted into The Who’s Who of American Teachers, in 2004–2005 and again in 2005–2006, an honor made especially meaningful because it came through nomination by the parents of his students.

Even after retirement, Rod’s desire to serve did not diminish. He found what became a true calling as a classroom aide working with autistic students in both Colorado and Arizona, from kindergarten through high school. In that role, as in so much of his life, he brought patience, steadiness, and care to those who benefited from his presence.

Rod also embraced life beyond the classroom with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure. He enjoyed hunting in the mountains of Colorado, and for the last 30 years he and Anita shared many adventures throughout the United States and Canada, traveling by motorcycle and camper and making memories across miles of open road. In 2023, he joined the Apache County Sheriff’s Department Posse for Search and Rescue, where he participated in trainings, line searches, and the clearing of National Forest trails. That work reflected his readiness to help, his love of the outdoors, and his continued dedication to community.  He was also a member of the Back Country Horseman's Association in Show Low, Arizona. He was also involved with Sertoma in Bailey, Colorado.

Above all, Rod will be remembered by those who knew and loved him most. He is survived by his wife, Anita (Lankford) Noel, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage; his son, Garrett Noel; and his brother, Lynn Noel. The life he built with Anita was one of shared adventure and enduring partnership, and the bonds he held with his family remain a lasting part of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Noel; his mother, Norma (Hutton) Noel; and his sister, Sandra (Noel) Lightcap.

Rodney Dwight Noel leaves behind the example of a life spent in learning, in teaching, in service, and in companionship. He will be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration by all who were fortunate to know him.

Please no flowers for the service.  Instead please donate to Achieve School for Autism, Show Low, AZ. or to Apache County Sheriff's Posse, Eagar, AZ.