Mary Rhoads

Mary Rhoads, 93, of Indianapolis passed away April 5th, 2024 at Community North Hospital after a brief illness.

Mary was born to John Charles Davies and Grace Marie (Russell) Davies on July 9, 1930 in Kimball, Nebraska. She was one of six children. Mary graduated from Kimball County High School in 1948 and went on to study at Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received her diploma in 1950 as a medical lab technician. Upon graduation she followed her older brother to Indianapolis where she worked for General Hospital and then later at Winona Hospital. Here she met her husband Phocian (Bud) Rhoads and they were married on July 16, 1954. Together they raised three children.

Mary loved her family dearly and was always thrilled to spend time with them especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. When she wasn’t with family Mary had many interests. In her earlier years she loved to stay fit by race walking and working in her gardens. She also loved crafting, was a voracious reader especially mysteries and suspense novels. She loved trying out new recipes where many were able to enjoy her favorite dishes. Anyone who visited Mary would be able to find a variety of cookies and candies because she loved her sweets! Sewing was a passion and she made doll clothes for her granddaughters and to donate to church bazaars for fundraising. She volunteered at several organizations and donated to many charities. She loved animals and had a variety of cats and dogs throughout her life. Mary always had a puzzle on the table and loved when her family came and helped to put them together. She loved God and passed her faith on to her family. She was a member of Cumberland United Methodist Church.

Mary had a kind and generous spirit and was loved by many. She is survived by her children: Rhonda (Brad) Anderson, Nancy (Joe) Terhune, and Larry (Karen) Rhoads. Grandchildren and their spouses: Richard (Christina) Allen, Ryan Allen, Kathleen (Todd) Zubatkin, Melissa (William) Trozzo, Lauren (Tim) Parthum, and Meghan (Anthony) Zipparo. She also is survived by her great grandchildren: Ben and Ellis Parthun, Amelia Trozzo, James Zipparo and Theodore (Theo) Zubatkin. She is also survived by her brother Jack Davies. She was preceded in death by her husband Phocian, brother Robert and sisters Carol, Pauline and Patricia.

Visitation will be held at Washington Park North Cemetery on Friday, April 19th from 10:00am-12:00pm followed by a service at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to one of her favorite charities: Cumberland United Methodist Church, Christian Appalachian Project or Best Friends Save Them All.