January 24, 2018

Bob Rhoades

Funeral Celebration of Life Services for Bob Rhoades, age 97 of Lenox, who passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Clearview Home in Clearfield was held Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church in Lenox.  Visitation was held Friday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7.  Interment with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250 and Iowa National Honor Guard will be held in the West Cemetery in Lenox.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Lenox United Presbyterian Church or Lenox Stock & Saddle Club.  Memories may be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.

Robert William Rhoades was born November 6, 1920, on the family farm northeast of Lenox in Adams County, Iowa.  He was the only son of Admiral Roy (Merl) Rhoades and Ruth Anna (Tripp) Rhoades, three sisters would join the family, Florence, Frances and Jeanne.  He grew up attending school in Lenox, graduating with the Class of 1938.  After graduation, Bob farmed alongside his father until he entered the United States Army in 1944.  He served with the 724th Military Police Battalion in Honolulu, Hawaii until his discharge in 1946.  Robert felt very privileged to participate in the first Honor Flight to our Nation’s Capital out of Des Moines.

Robert was a life-long farmer and cattleman in both Taylor and Adams Counties.  He enjoyed tending his herds and tilling the fields on the family farm that had been established in 1903.  He was a 72 year member of the Parkinson American Legion in Lenox, and in 1996, he was honored by the Lenox Rotary Club as ‘Citizen of the Year’.   He has also been honored as a 50 year member of the Lenox Stock & Saddle Club.

In 1985, Bob was united in marriage to Pat Taylor.  His family feels that she was a gift, not only for their uncle Bob, but for the entire family.  After his retirement from farming in 2003, the couple moved to Lenox.  Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed bowling for over 44 years, volunteering with hospice and continuing his commitment to the Lenox Stock & Saddle Club.  He was a life-long Presbyterian, first at Prairie Star and then Lenox United Presbyterian where he served as Trustee and an Elder for many years.

Left to cherish Bob’s memory is his loving wife Pat Rhoades of Lenox, Iowa; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Bob in death are his parents  A.R. (Merl) and Ruth Anna Rhoades; and three sisters, Florence Garrick, Frances Moyle and Jeanne Ostrem.

Bob  will be missed by his family and friends.

May God give comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.