Earlene Rhodes

Visitation is from 6-8 Pm, Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral services are Monday, August 30th, 2010, at 11:00 A.M at Johnson's Funeral Home led by Dr. Ricky Burk and Rev. Cherie Brewster of First United Methodist Church, San Angelo. Interment will be at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Rhodes was born in Winters, TX, to Ben and Clara Biggs on September 22, 1926, and grew up in Eldorado, TX. She married her great love, Robert McElroy, on December 14, 1944, and after their two daughters, Barbara and Beverly, were born, they made their home in San Angelo, TX, where she had returned to live in 2006. After her husband passed away in 1982, Earlene married Jon K. Rhodes in 1989, who predeceased her in 2005.

Though Mrs. Rhodes' professional career spanned many years of accomplishment, she would say that her greatest achievement in life were her two daughters, five precious grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Her family will be forever grateful for her love, her example of what life is about, and for her introducing them to Jesus.

She was very involved in the early developmental years of Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Worth, TX, where she served for 25 years. After evaluating, nurturing, and approving many candidates into and through the medical school, she retired from TCOM as Director of Admissions in 1989.

Mrs. Rhodes was a radiant, loving, fun-filled woman of faith with an incredibly larger-than-life joi-de-vivre who had served as an Elder at Ridglea Presbyterian Church in Ft. Worth and was presently part of St. Paul Presbyterian Church in San Angelo where she had previously been a member for over 20 years and was a Deacon, taught Sunday School, served as a youth sponsor, and involved with the women's Koinonia mission circle.

No matter where Mrs. Rhodes lived or what she did, she was always willing to invite the next stranger into her circle of life and embrace them with grace and hospitality. Included in that circle was her good friend and sweetheart, Rip Ripple, of San Angelo. He remained faithfully by her side for the past two years, loving her and bringing into her life much joy and happiness.

The family extends heart-felt thanks to Dr. John Harvey and the staff at Shannon Hospital as well as Jason and personnel at Meadow Creek Nursing Center for their tender care during her illness.

Mrs. Rhodes always dreamed of that day when she would sit at Jesus' side and hold His hand. The family is rejoicing knowing that she is now living her dream in that place where there are no more tears and no more pain.

Her survivors include daughters: Barbara and Tim Moorman, San Angelo, Beverly and Reuben Tye, Arlington, Texas. Grandchildren: Melissa Moorman and Shari Harrison, San Antonio; Warren and Tiffany Moorman, Austin; Shannon and Dave Koenig, New York City; Matt and Chris McBride, Beale, California; Jennifer and Trevor Graham, Arlington Texas. Great-grandchildren: Larissa Murray, Taylor Moorman, Brendan and Dylan McBride, Jackson and Peyton Graham, Kiersten and Cassidy Brzyki, Brady and Bailey Harrison, and two due in 2011. Brother: Glenn and Anne Biggs, San Antonio; sister-in-law, Marty Biggs Hinson, Odessa, Texas; and her maternal Aunt Lillie Burger, Corinth, Texas; brother-in-law, Don McElroy, Homewood, Illinois. Nephews: Barry and Sakkara Biggs, San Antonio; Brian and Melinda Biggs, San Antonio; Brent & Adrianna Biggs, San Antonio and Byron and Amy Biggs, Ft. Worth. Niece: Jayne Burger, Corinth, Texas. She is also survived by a multitude of cousins whom she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Robert McElroy and Jon Knox Rhodes and her youngest brother, Truman "Joe" Biggs of Odessa, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Inc., 1501 N. W. 9th Ave/Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494 or your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com