Obituaries

Betty L. Rhoades

April 29th, 1924 – December 14th, 2019

Betty Lee (McKinley) Rhoades, age 95, of DeKalb, Illinois passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 14, 2019. She was born on April 29, 1924 in Astoria, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Nellie (Curless) McKinley. She graduated from Astoria High School in 1942. She married the love of her life, Robert Rhoades on June 14, 1942 in Astoria. They moved to DeKalb in 1946.

Betty was employed at Brody Coat Factory, Wiseman Insurance Company and Amos Insurance Company. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in DeKalb. Betty enjoyed playing bingo at the Elks Club, reading, doing crossword puzzles, visits to Astoria and Sunday suppers with her family.

She is survived by her son, Jim (and Sharon) Rhoades of DeKalb, two granddaughters; Kristina (and Ryan) Walter of Sugar Grove, Illinois and Melissa (and Zach) Beck of DeKalb, six Great-Grandchildren; Andrew, Ethan, and Lauren Walter of Sugar Grove and Lily, Gabby, and Maddy Beck of DeKalb, her sister-in-law Marianne Pittman of Astoria, Aunt Doris Robertson of Ipava, Illinois and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her father and step-mother, Clarence and Naomi McKinley, her mother and step-father Nellie and Harve Ruth, her husband in 2004, half-brother John McKinley and three step-sisters, Maxine Smith, Wanda Fouts, and Betty Brown.

The family would like to thank Dr. Dhaval Thakkar and Dr. Jack Wagoner. A special thank you to her devoted caregivers Renee, Victoria, Julie and Karen who made it possible for Betty to remain in her home until her death.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 3:00 pm at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Ben Murray will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery.

In honor of Betty's love for reading, memorials may be made to the DeKalb Public Library in memory of Betty L. Rhoades.

Condolences

December 17th, 2019

Deepest condolences, and prayers for comfort and peace to all of Betty Lee's family. She was in our Ruth family for many years, and my late mother was close to those girls over the years. (Harve was my great uncle). Sincerely, Cheryl (Cox) Matteson, Vermont, IL