Aletha Rhodes Obituary

Aletha 'Jo' Rhodes, age 93 formerly of Pittsfield, IL passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO. She was born April 26, 1932, Fort Madison, IA to Leroy and Clara Knabe Abel. Aletha married Gaylord Ray Rhodes November 27, 1953, in Donnellson, IA and he preceded her in death October 7, 2023. Jo grew up in Donnellson, Iowa and graduated from Donnellson High School. After graduation she attended Iowa Wesleyan and Drake University where she was a Drum Majorette. Jo graduated 2nd in her class and received her Bachelor of Education degree. She taught school in Monmouth, IL for several years and after Gaylord finished his schooling they moved the family to Pittsfield. At this time, Jo became a stay-at-home mother and housewife who also taught baton twirling lessons in her spare time. Jo was a dedicated member of Pittsfield First Christian Church and helped with Sunday school classes, Bible School, was a member of the Christian Women's Fellowship, and was always on hand to help with dinners at the church. Jo was a talented musician who played the piano and accordion. She enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle, was an avid Cardinals fan, and took great delight spending time with her family including camping and boating on the river. Jo was a doting and steadfast wife and mother who loved to cook and care for her family and always kept a tidy home. She was quiet, appreciative and grateful lady who never complained and accepted things in stride. Jo was a good and faithful servant and was deeply loved and respected by friends and family alike; and all will miss her dearly. Jo is survived by four children, Peggy (Robert Rigney, Jr.) Rhodes Dabney of Quincy, IL, Randy (Debbie) Rhodes of Montgomery, TX, David (Debbie) Rhodes of Pittsfield, IL, and Richard (Rebecca) Rhodes of Pittsfield, IL; grandchildren, Stefanie (Jim) Johnston, Chris Dabney, Ryan (Kari) Rhodes, Tyler (Olivia) Rhodes, Josh (Sarah) Rhodes, Dustin (Natalie) Rhodes, Karley (Josh) Carter, Kasey Osment, Hayden Osment, Haley Rhodes, and Kelly (Zach) Lentz; thirteen great grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Keith (Barb) Rhodes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Clara Abel; loving husband of almost 70 years, Gaylord Rhodes; and great grandson, Cael Welty. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with visitation held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00. Interment will follow the service at Pittsfield West Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to be made to Pittsfield First Christian Church or West Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aletha 'Jo' (Abel) Rhodes, please visit our floral store.