Ethel Carlyle Rhodes

She is survived by her children, Suzanne R. Sherwin (Ted) and Kathryn R. Russell; her grandchildren John Dean Rhodes Sherwin, Katy C. Russell Kirby (Patrick), and Brian S. Russell (Jessica); her great-grandchildren Amelia Suzanne Kirby, Eli James Russell, Aubrey Elizabeth Russell, Olivia Kate Russell, Brycen Lee Russell

Born on February 13, 1930 at “Chesloma” in Irvington, VA to Walter W. and Ethel C. Messick, she was predeceased by her brother, Bill, and her two sisters, Julia Clay M. Hurt and Lucy Conrad M. Earle, whom she adored. She sang harmony with her sisters starting at an early age appearing on the radio and for the opening of The Tides Inn (Irvington, VA).

After Ethel graduated from Warren County High School (Front Royal, VA), she entered William & Mary College. After 2 years, she transferred to Madison College in order to pursue her passion for teaching and a degree in Early Childhood Education. She was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority & Educational Honor Society.

She began her teaching career in Arlington, VA as an elementary school teacher. Shortly thereafter, she met her soul mate, Richard Dean Rhodes, and was married for 42 years until his death in 1996. She & Dick made their family home in Winchester until his transfer took them to Staunton and then on to Richmond.

She loved her Lord and her church families at Covenant (Staunton) and Bon Air Presbyterian (Richmond) where she was a member until she moved to Charlottesville, to be closer to her daughters, and became a member at Westminster Presbyterian Church. She loved singing in the choir, was a Session member, active with Women’s Circle groups, and loved cooking for Freedom House (until the casserole pans became too heavy for her to carry). She was an avid bridge player and liked working Sudoku & crossword puzzles until her failing eyesight no longer allowed her to continue. She loved gardening (member of Glen Burnie Garden Club) and adored beach trips with her family until the age of 89! Described by many as the “quintessential Southern lady”, she was always making sure that all were taken care of.

A Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA. It will also be offered on live-stream which can be accessed on Westminster Presbyterian Church website.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetic Association, American Heart Association, or Leukemia/Lymphoma Association.

Memories & expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teaguefuneralhome.com for the Rhodes/Sherwin/Russell families.