Lorena (BATHE) RHOADES

BATHE, RHOADES, SHEPHERD

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/2/2009 at 16:22:26

The Mount Ayr Record-News , 1922

OBITUARY - MRS. CHARLES T. RHOADES.

Lorena BATHE was born in Tuskeego, Iowa, November 21, 1868, the second daughter of George R. and Margaret Ann BATHE. She received her education at the Tuskeego school. She was a great help to her mother in caring for the younger children and took the mother's place when she died, several of the boys living with her for many years after their mother's death, beside other boys who needed a home and a mother's love.

She was married to Charles T. RHOADES, of Tuskeego, on December 16, 1890, at Chariton. Their first home was at Tuskeego, then they moved to Kellerton where they resided a year, then moved to their home northwest of Lamoni where they lived for twenty-seven years. To this union were born two children - Fay L. and Leighton L., who grew to maturity in and about Lamoni.

She was determined that her children should receive a good education and did her part in seeing that they made the best use of their opportunities, sending them through high school and college.

Her home was one of those which approach closely the Christian ideal and a home that was hospitable in the highest degree. The home stood out as an example and a light to those about it and influenced many who started their homes to cling to the ideals which make it a true home. Under such environment of domestic love and fidelity her children grew to maturity. But there were many young people who were helped by it also.

She gave her heart to God and joined the Methodist church when she was fifteen. She was never ashamed of such membership nor of her faith in God. She was an active worker in the local church and could be depended upon at all times to do her part. She was a steward for many years and her counsel was of value, always. She was recognized in the community as a christian and respected because of her firm courage to do the right.

Mrs. RHOADES was recognized as a leading spirit in every movement for the betterment of the community and the welfare of everyone. Her strong christian influence was a power for good and many are her friends who were strengthened and guided in their plans.

During the war she was chairman of the Bloomington Chapter of the Red Cross and also served as Republican chairman for the Republican ladies of Bloomington township.

On October 4, 1921, she fell backward on the cement walk and was quite severely injured, but she recovered shortly afterward and seemed to be getting well again but on February 7th she took the flu which with the fall hastened her serious illness. On April 2nd her folks took her to her son's home at Cummings, Iowa, where the best medical aid and a trained nurse were sercured. Her husband, daughter, son and his wife, with numerous friends, did all in their power to aid her recovery but she went quickly on Sunday, April 23. She was not afraid to die and expressed her readiness to go, though she hated to leave her husband, children and friends.

She had been in failing health for a couple of years, but few thought seriously of it and even when she was taken to Cummings everyone thought she would soon recover. Her death came as a great shock to the community and her numerous friends, and the place she occupied cannot be filled.

Those present at the funeral were her husband, her daughter, her son and wife, her sister, Mrs. Carrie SHEPHERD of Pueblo, Colo., her brothers, Oran E. BATHE of Tenepaw, Okla., and Irvin T. BATHE of Lamoni, Iowa, beside a host of friends.

Funeral services were held from the home Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, being in charge of Rev. J. Vincent GRAY, of Lamoni, sermon by the Rev. Raymond M. SHIPMAN, of Nevada, Iowa, who was formally pastor at Lamoni. The music was funished by friends of Faye RHOADES from Centerville, a quartette consisting of Mrs. Gladys COOPER, Mrs. R. F. PAYNE, Mr. Archibald LOCKWOOD and Mr. N. A. PAYNE.

Interment was made at Maple Row cemetery at Kellerton.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008