Betty J. Rhode

Betty Jane Rhode died on June 24, 2012 at the age of 89. Betty lived a very social life. She was born on April 8, 1923 in Omaha, Nebraska to Glenn and Edna Wiggins. At age 19, she married Harry Thomas Rhode. While enjoying motherhood, she also became active in the Officer’s Club, American Red Cross, PTA, Catholic Women’s Society, and was president and treasurer of Port Malabar Garden Club. She loved socializing, golf, and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel Harry Thomas Rhode; and her sisters, Ramona Zezlak and Patricia Nelson. She is survived by her children, Carol Velazquez and Harry Thomas Rhode, Jr.; her sisters, Coila Moeller and Lucille Hansen; her grandchildren, Kimberly Pulli, Lisa Marsh, and Christy Karnes; her great-grandchildren, Emily Marsh, Rachael Marsh, and Aidran Karnes; her dear friend and sister-in-law, Georgia O’Conner; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you goes to the staff of Autumn House and Vitas Hospice for giving her dignity and respect in the last years of her life.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 1:00pm at Florida Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens.