I have many fond memories of meeting and getting to know Rhoda. She was passionate about her relationship with her grandfather Charles R. Knight, or "Poppy," as she called him. My great-grandfather, Henry Fairfield Osborn, hired her grandfather to paint depictions of dinosaurs, mammals, and early man for the American Museum of Natural History when he was curator of vertebrate paleontology and eventually president of the museum. Many of those works are still on display at the museum and represent some of the pinnacle of his great skill as an artist. On my periodic visits to New York, we would meet and talk about the museum. We met with her daughter one day, which was a special treat.

She came with me to Castle Rock to visit my great-grandfather's home, which he built on the Hudson. Despite the dismal weather, we had a wonderful time looking through the ruins of the house. We stayed in touch by phone for many years till we both lost touch with each other. She was very old school regarding technology, and I lost a number to reach her. She was always energetic and enthusiastic and was such a creative person. I was sorry to have just come across this obituary for her just now. I am writing a book about my great-grandfather, and it prompted me to search her out. I have many great memories of Rhoda and our conversations.

My grandparents, mother, uncle, and I all grew up admiring the work of Charles R Knight, Rhoda’s grandfather I believe. My grandparents, Sy and Dorothea Barlowe, were nature illustrators who both worked at the American Museum of Natural History, and published books with Dover. I only found out the sad news of her recent passing after sending an email last week to talk about his work with her, after visiting her beautifully kept website that I have frequented over the years dedicated to her grandfather’s work.  I really wanted to meet her in person as well.  I’m so sad and sorry to hear she has left us, and I send all my love and condolences to the family.  Although I never got to meet her, she and her family’s legacy have certainly touched mine.  May she rest peacefully.

Here is my small tribute to the inspiring work of Barbara Kerley, Matte Stephens, Charles R. Knight, and most especially, to the memory of Rhoda Kalt. May the Lord have her in His Glory.

I watched Rhoda's service yesterday morning on YouTube. It was truly wonderful and so full of love...just like Rhoda.

I will always fondly remember Rhoda Kalt. For almost 20 years, I have focused on the figure and work of her eminent grandfather, Charles R. Knight, but the most wonderful part of this research was discovering that the renowned painter had descendants and that his granddaughter had taken it upon herself to protect and promote his legacy.

At that time, information on the subject was scarce and focused more on museums, paleontologists, and the animals featured in those iconic paintings, sketches, and murals. However, it was Rhoda's family testimonies that gave me a more personal perspective of that pioneer of the discipline we now know as Paleoart. Thanks to her life story, I learned that the famous painter had a loving nickname, "Toppy," that he had a family, and that Rhoda had always been a beloved granddaughter, encouraged to give her very best.

Her example serves me today, not only in pursuing my own career as an independent paleoartist, but also in cherishing every moment of joy I share with my own granddaughter, whom I love with all my heart.

Thank you so much for your great example, my admired Rhoda Knight Kalt. May our Lord keep you in His Glory. Thank you for teaching us that there are family bonds so strong that they can defy the true immensity of time.

Sincerely,
Pablo Lara
Ecuador

Melissa
I am very sorry for your great loss. I first met your mother in Staten Is many years ago. I was on an bus  going home. As the bus was going over the bridge I started feeling sick so I got off at the first stop which was Fingerboard Rd and the service road.  I was sitting on some ones stoop with my head between my knees.  Your mother who was on her way to see Father Matt came over to see if there was anything she could do for me.  She decided that she would wait for my wife Karen to find me and take me home.  After that event your mother, Father Matt, my wife and I became great friends and would get together every month for lunch.  Your mother was a very special friend who will be dearly missed.

My condolences to your lovely daughter who frequently visited us in Palm Beach.

Oh, Melissa, I am saddened to learn that Rhoda crossed over. She was always so kind to me over the years. I enjoyed our phone talks and correspondence. 

Rhoda really loved "Toppy" and they are together having heavenly tea.

With love and compassion,
Glen Eisner

A great mother-daughter team, caught at the banquet at The Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Convention.

We attended many old time radio conventions together and enjoyed watching Melissa perform with The Gotham Radio Players at so many of them.  She had competition but was always her daughter’s biggest fan and always a treat to have in the audience. This photo is from a Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Convention in Maryland.

Dear Melissa,
Your vivacious mother led a remarkable life, and we are so sorry for your loss.  We are thinking of you and we wish you peace in many happy memories.
Love,
Katherine & Brian

OBITUARY

Rhoda Kalt

March 13, 1936 – August 28, 2024

Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Gathering & Visitation

Catholic Prayer Service