Donna M. Rhodes (1942-2022)

RHODES, PEARSON, TARTER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/8/2022 at 14:00:52

Donna M. Rhodes, age 79, of Hanover, IL, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022 at her home with family by her side. A gathering to celebrate Donna’s life will be planned for a date in August, on or around her birthday. Family and friends are invited to share in Donna’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Donna's family.

Donna was born August 18, 1942, in St. Charles, IL, the daughter of Freeman and Ethel (Pearson) Tarter. She attended St. Charles schools, graduating from St. Charles High School. Donna soon went to work for Diamond International, which later became Smurfitt Stone, in St. Charles, retiring after more than 40 years. In 1969, Donna married James S. Rhodes. They celebrated 34 years of marriage before his death in 2003.

Donna centered her entire life around her family. She adored time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and always found a way to brighten the days of those she loved. She was a soft-spoken woman who saw the good in every situation; never complaining. “It is what it is,” she used to say, as she waded through life’s challenges with a smile or a laugh. She was one of those people who found humor in everything, and her infectious laugh was sure to have you chuckling along with her, whether you were truly amused or not. She loved a good puzzle, and made a habit of prioritizing her faith; graciously teaching Sunday school with the Lutheran Church.

Donna is survived by two daughters, Pam (Mike) Penisten, of Hanover, IL and Andrea (Doug) Buell, of Charleston, IL; a son, Ricky (Donna) Zollers, of Kaneville, IL; 10 grandchildren, Becky Penisten, Jackie Pagor, Samantha (Travis) Stefonef, Dustin (Haley) White, Christopher Rhodes, Nicholette Rhodes, Caleb Rhodes, Amber (Jared) King, Seth Buell, and Britney Zollers; nine great-grandchildren, Bentley, Aubry, Owen, Eleanor, Oliver, Alec, Abby, Jade, and Kenadie; and a son-in-law, Glenn White. Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Freeman and Ethel; husband, Jimmy; daughters, Kimberly White and Selina Rhodes; granddaughter, Jessica Pagor; and sisters, Beverly (Dewy) Wyatt and Peggy (Donald) Grandt.

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