Julia Mae Rhoades' Obituary
Julia Mae Rhoades, daughter of Jesse and Minnie McCrite Wallace, was born September 15, 1918, near Ava, Missouri. She departed this life Sunday, May 7, 2006, in St. John’s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, seven months, and twenty-two days. On April 8, 1949, she was united in marriage to Dean M. Rhoades, and to this union one daughter and two sons were born. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three sisters, Irene Jackson, Laurel Clouse, and an infant. Julia is survived by her husband, Rev. Dean Rhoades, of the home; a daughter, Becky Buttrey, and her husband, Jim, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sons, Max Rhoades, and his wife, Pam, and Danny Rhoades, and his wife, Nancy, all of Lebanon, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Lance, Kelly, and Casey Rhoades, Jessi Lockwood, Kyle Rhoades, Charren Williams, Ami Jones, James Buttrey, Jr., and Julia Buttrey; seven great-grandchildren, Dustin, Paige, Chance, Ryder, and Reece Rhoades, Jaxon Jones, and Jailin Williams; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was born and raised in the Ava, Missouri community, and graduated from Ava High School in the Class of 1935. She began a career in education starting as a rural school teacher in the Ava area. After she and Dean were married, they made their home in Mansfield, Missouri and she continued to teach in the Ava Schools, and earned her bachelors degree. In 1954, Julia and Dean moved to Lebanon and made their home. In addition to being a devoted homemaker and loving mother, Julia also taught at Donnelly Elementary School and was a supportive pastor’s wife. For the last few years, she enjoyed her retirement and took special care of Dean. Julia made her profession of faith in Christ early in her life and was an active member of the Lebanon Church of the Nazarene. Throughout the years, she was involved in the music ministry, playing the piano and singing, and had been very active in the Mission Society. She was also a wonderful promoter and encourager for her children in their musical ensemble, New Horizons. She always put her family first in her life and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing and cooking and was well known for her delicious apple pies. She touched countless lives through her teaching and her work in the church and will be fondly remembered by all those who knew her. Julia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2006, in the Lebanon Church of the Nazarene. Burial will be in Veterans' Park in Mount Rose Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 7 - 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Memorial contributions to the Gideon Bible Ministry may be made through the funeral home.
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