Robert "Bob" L. Rhodes

Bob and Kathy Rhodes, both passed away peacefully at Elkhart Hospice Esther’s House. Entering their 64th year of marriage, they held hands in their final moments, resting in beds beside each other in Esther’s house where they passed 4 days apart.

Robert passed away peacefully with Kathy by his side on Friday morning, January 30, 2026. He was born to Noble and Judy (Williams) Rhodes on November 2, 1936 in Nappanee, IN. He grew up and spent his lifetime in Nappanee. Bob graduated from Nappanee High School and later enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country as a Navy Corpsman aboard the USS Breckenridge. He received a biochemistry accommodation during his service and was honorably discharged.  

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Judy; father, Noble; brothers, Donald and Kenneth Rhodes; and a sister, Jeannie Rhodes Miller.

Kathy passed away peacefully on Monday morning, February 3, 2026.  She was born, the youngest of three children, to Edgar “Bud” Stahly and Shirley (Gonser) Stahly on September 5, 1943.  She also grew up and spent her lifetime in Nappanee.  She graduated from Nappanee High School and upon graduation, married Robert D. Widmoyer.  He died within a year of their marriage in a car accident, leaving Kathy a very young widow.  

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley; father, Edgar; sister, Peggy Sponseller-Crothers; and brother, Richard Stahly.

Bob and Kathy met through Bob’s sister, Jeannie, and were married on December 24, 1962, in Nappanee.  Together, they raised three children: Dan (Rene) Widmoyer of South Bend, IN, Lynette (Andrew) Franks of Nappanee, and Tracy (Mike) Brugh of Bremen, IN. They survive along with 11 grandchildren: Megan Widmoyer of Jerusalem, Israel, Zachary Widmoyer of Michigan, and Aaron Widmoyer of South Bend; Tony (Shannon) Dausman of Plymouth, IN, Nate Dausman of Elkhart, IN, and Chad (Ashley) Dausman of New Paris, IN; Trenton (Jennifer) Brugh, Weston Brugh, Dylan (Kyndal) Brugh of Bremen, and Daryn Brugh of Nappanee; and Nicole Franks and Drew Franks of Berrien Springs, MI.  Beyond their grandchildren, they were survived by 13 great-grandchildren. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren where the light of their lives. They also leave behind many nieces, nephews, and close family friends whom they deeply cherished.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Elkhart County Center for Hospice Care and Esther’s House – especially Becca, Stephanie, Pastor Rod, Cathy, Veteran volunteer Bob Evans, and the entire staff who cared for Bob and Kathy with the greatest compassion and respect.  

A memorial service celebrating Bob and Kathy’s life together will be held at the Nappanee Church of the Brethren (301 Mack Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550) on Thursday, February 12, 2026.  A visitation hour will begin at 10am, followed by an 11am Celebration of Life. Burial in Union Center Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Elkhart County Center for Hospice Care, the Nappanee Church of the Brethren, Pet Refuge, Alzheimer’s Association, or local Humane Societies.