Clara Lou Rhodes

Clara Lou Rhodes, 88, formerly of Beaver Falls, PA and a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Community, Meadville since 2001, died there, Friday, August 26, 2011 following a period of declining health.

She was born August 22, 1923 in Emlenton, PA a daughter of Lawrence and Olive O. Shannon Gates.  She married Raymond Rhodes September 15, 1951 and he preceded her in death in 1998.

During World War II she worked as executive secretary at the Army Hospital in Butler which later became the Butler VA Hospital.  She then assisted her husband, who was a self-employed builder in Grove City, in various capacities including bookkeeping.  In 1960 she and her husband and family moved to Beaver Falls and she worked as a secretary at Geneva College for 20 years, retiring in 1982.

She was a 1941 graduate of Emlenton High School and a 1943 graduate of Butler Business College.  She enjoyed traveling, playing the piano and organ and especially spending time with her family.

Survivors, include: three children, a son, Stephen C. Rhodes and his wife Margaret of Aurora, IL; a daughter, Roberta Lynn Manley and her husband John of West Chester, PA and a son, Richard L. Rhodes and his wife Vicki of Mogadore, OH; eight grandchildren, Rachel Rhodes, Julia Rhodes, Seth Rhodes, Sarah Manley, Michael Manley, Bryan Manley, Timothy Rhodes and Erin Rhodes and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Maurice Gates and Eugene Gates.

Calling hours will be Monday from 1-3 p.m. in the lounge of McCracken Chapel, Cribbs Home, Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville.  The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in McCracken Chapel with the Rev. Ellen Rezek, Chaplain, officiating.

Interment will be in Emlenton Cemetery, Emlenton, PA.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Wesbury Foundation, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.