Mary B Rhoades

Mary B. Rhoades, age 97, formerly of Columbus, died Tuesday, October 13, 2020 in Bolivia, North Carolina.

A graveside service will take place Monday, October 19, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. in the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Omaha.

Mary Bernadette was born October 7, 1923 to her loving parents, Thomas Francis, and Margaret (O'Neill) Smyth in Spalding, Nebraska. She was 6 ^th in line of 9 gregarious siblings. Family was everything to Mary. After graduating Spalding Academy, she attended Boyles-Van Sant Business College in Omaha, Ne. In 1947 she married Ray J. Rhoades and together they raised three daughters in Omaha. Later Ray's job with NPPD took them to Columbus, NE where she was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Mary volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Big Brother/ Sisters, and at Morys Haven Senior Center in Columbus.

Mary is survived by:
Daughter: Debby (Ron) Smith, Southport, NC
Daughter: Denise Rhoades of Leland, NC
Daughter: Rhonda (Tom) Piernicky of Killeen, TX
Granddaughter: Shalean (Curtis) Rowe of Highlands Ranch, CO
Granddaughter: Wendy Klock of Grand Island, NE
Grandson: Carson (Heidi) Smith of Hawthorn Woods, IL
Grandson: Christopher (Erin) Smith of Melrose, MA
Great-granddaughters: Amanda, Emily and Danica Rowe of Highlands Ranch, CO
Great-granddaughter: Madelyn Rose Graham of Grand Island, NE
Great-granddaughter: Emerson Smith of Hawthorn Woods, IL
Great-grandson: Ethan Smith of Hawthorn Woods, IL
Great-granddaughter: Elle Smith of Hawthorn Woods, IL
Great-granddaughter: Harriet Smith of Melrose MA
Great-grandson: Benjamin Smith of Melrose, MA

She was preceded in death by:
Her parents, 8 Smyth siblings, Husband, Ray Rhoades, Great-grandson, Graham Christopher Smith

The family wishes to thank the staff at Universal Healthcare in Bolivia, NC for their excellent and loving care of Mary during her final two years.

As the virus has limited our gatherings, we hope all who knew Mary will celebrate her life and memories in your hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Universal Healthcare in Bolivia, NC. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/mary-rhodes-memorial-fund or in the manner you wish to remember Mary.