Kathryn A. “Kathy” Rhodes, 72, passed away Sunday evening, April 17, 2022, at her residence in Bluffton following an extended illness.

Kathryn Rhodes

Kathy was born in Bluffton on Sept. 23, 1949, to James and Elsie M. (Moss) Gearheart; both parents preceded her in death. She married Gary D. Rhodes on Oct. 11, 1970, in Montpelier; he survives in Bluffton.

She was a 1968 graduate of Southern Wells High School. Kathy worked at Corning Glass Works and Bi-County Services in Bluffton, retiring after 15 years of service as an aid. She attended Bluffton Church of the Nazarene. Kathy enjoyed sewing and making quilts, playing cards, attending her husband’s softball games and grandchildren’s sporting events, and spending time with her family.

In addition to her husband, survivors include her two sons, Danny (Erica) Zoda of Chicago and Phillip (fiance Sophie Fort) Rhodes of North Carolina; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Carolyn (Larry) Bayless of Evansville; seven brothers, Jerry (Cheryl) Gearheart of Ohio, John Gearheart of Poneto, Dale (JoAn) Gearheart of Poneto, Joe (Elizabeth) Gearheart of Poneto, Lee (Penny) Gearheart of Henderson, Texas, Steve (Carolyn) Gearheart of Muncie and Mike (Natalie) Gearheart of Colorado; one brother-in-law, Larry Hunt; and two sisters-in-law, Joyce Gearheart of Hartford City and Juanita Gearheart of Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Sara Lynn Hunt and Linda Geisman; two brothers, Jim and Tom Gearheart; and a brother-in-law Steve Geisman. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 20, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel from 2 to 7 p.m. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. April 21, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Pastor Steve Sutton will officiate. Burial will follow at the Elm Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Hospice or Multiple Sclerosis Association.

Online condolences can be made at www.goodwincaleharnish.com