Pattye Ellon Croft Rhodes, 93, passed away on August 9, 2024. Pattye was born on March 9, 1931 to William and Freda Morton, in Moscow, TN. Her childhood was spent in nearby Rossville, TN., as the oldest of nine children.
Soon after graduating from Collierville High School, “Pat,” as she was affectionately known by many, married her high school sweetheart, Billy Croft. From this union, three children were born; A son, Preston, daughter, Lynne, and daughter, Lisa. As a young family, they enjoyed tent camping, often spending weekends at Sardis Lake with friends. They also loved Square Dancing and were part of a square dancing group!
Pat was an avid homemaker, cook, and enjoyed cooking and sharing recipes with friends and family. She was involved in putting together several cookbooks at churches she attended over the years.
After her beloved husband, Billy, passed away, she became a caretaker of babies. Pat loved babies and they loved her. She considered it a blessing to teach them to love vegetables from the local farmers’ market instead of chicken nuggets!
Later in life, Pattye married Eugene Rhodes, and became stepmother to his children, Lisa Dilly, and Michael Rhodes (Gay), Also she gained 4 step grandchildren and their children. Together they travelled, and enjoyed board games with friends, particularly “Chicken Foot Dominos” which she continued to play almost to the end of her earthly life.
Gene and Pattye eventually moved to Kirby Pines senior living facility, where they attended church, made many new friends and continued enjoying fun activities. Her husband, Gene passed away in 2020.
Pattye was also predeceased by her youngest daughter, Lisa; her grandson, Brandon Keith, and great grandson, Matthew Fowler and her stepdaughter, Lisa Dilly. Also preceding her in death on earth are four siblings. Philip Morton, (Ann), Dixie Throneberry (Marvin), Larry Morton (Fay), and Chris Morton (Carol). Her living siblings, Wanda Johnston (DeWayne), Jimmy Morton, Michael Morton (Jeanine), and Melanie Johnston (Edward) will love and miss her
Besides her two living children, Preston (Jackie), and Lynne (Jerry), nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild live to cherish her memory.
A visitation for Pattye will be held Monday, August 19, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A committal service will occur Monday, August 19, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN 38134.
Contributions in Pattye's memory may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 US, http://www.samaritanspurse.org/.
