Stella Rhodes, 95

Stella Alice Rhodes (Willette), was a caring sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and aunt, to many nieces and nephews. She left this world on Jan. 1, 2024, at the age of 95, of natural causes. 

She was born to Alexia and Kitty Willette, on Aug 13, 1928. She spent her early years from age 2 to 18 in the Twin Bridges Orphanage. 

When she returned home she met her husband, Claude O. Rhodes. 

Together they had 12 children; Mary Fisher, Claude Rhodes Jr. (Sonny), Virginia Battes, Judy Rhodes, Deanna Grantland, Terry Anderson-Nelsen, Rhonda Sanford, Cheryl Benton, Carol Rhodes, Karla Fritz, Nancy Eastman, Penny Solum. She had 36 grandchildren, 63 plus great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren. 

She loved to bake homemade bread and cookies, can and sew. She crochet and knitted, making slippers and blankets for the whole family. She disciplined and loved us unconditionally and was always there for us all when we needed her. 

A funeral service will be held at Johnson Funeral Home on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, with a viewing at 10 a.m., services at 11 a.m., graveside rights at 12 p.m., with a potluck memorial to follow at the Eagles from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.