Ronald Dean Rhoades

Born September 14, 1947 in Pekin, he was the son of Glen Sherman, Sr. and Helen Virginia (Miller) Rhoades.

Ron was a graduate of Pekin Community High School where he was a member of the 1963-64 Boys Basketball team that brought home the school’s first state title with a win over Cobden, Illinois 50 to 45. This team was later inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame.

After graduation, he attended Bradley University in Peoria and later enlisted in the United States Army on January 22, 1968 and served in the C Battery, 1st Battalion, 33rd Artillery Regiment in Europe until being Honorable discharged on January 6, 1970. While serving overseas, Ron married Flavia Ciotti in 1969 in Ansbach, Germany. When returning home, Ron brought his new wife and his first born daughter.

Surviving are his two daughters, Sabrina (Shane) Bottens of Pekin and Terri May of Peoria; one son, Ronnie (Bella) Rhoades of Pekin; five grandchildren, Davy Cunningham of Pekin, Derrick (Laney) Brown and Darius Thomas, both of Peoria, Baylee Rhoades and Liberty Rhoades, both of Pekin; three great-grandchildren, Rylan Cunningham, Azaylia Cunningham, and Kowan Klinkradt; four brothers, Glen (Marcia) Rhoades of Marquette Heights, Dale (Kathy) Rhoades of Kentucky, Gary (Laura) Rhoades and Randy Rhoades, both of Pekin; three sisters, Linda (Michael) Watts and Connie Brady, both of Pekin, and Judy (John) Sigler of Mapleton; two bonus daughters, Nicci Rodgers and Heather Reynolds, both of Pekin; and his beloved dog, Logan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Billy Rhoades; and many beloved dogs.

Ron began working for Corn Products in Pekin. He later purchased the Groveland Tap before opening, La Trattoria in downtown Pekin with his family. Ron was well known as a salesman at Velde Ford in Pekin for years.

He enjoyed watching basketball and baseball and was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls. Ronnie (also known as Bones to some) played in multiple softball leagues in Pekin and the surrounding area.

Ronnie was an amazing father that loved his children very much. He soon became known as PaPa and these children were his world. He was was beyond excited when his first great grandson came along. He is expecting his next two great-grandchildren later this month.

Ronnie is now pain-free and at peace in heaven with all those who have gone before him. His faith in Christ remains his eternal hope and comfort.

His graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2025 at War Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1810 North 8th Street in Pekin. Pastor Mark Utech will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team and the United States Army. Following the service, there will be a gathering celebrating Ron’s life at the North Pekin AMVETS.

Because of Ron’s love of dogs, memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com