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1928
2016
Helen went home to be with her Lord, surrounded by her loving family, on Feb. 5, 2016, after a short battle with lymphoma.
Born July 8, 1928, in Anita, Pa., she was the daughter of William and Nettie (Lister) Renwick. She married Harold P. "HP" Rhoades on Nov. 24, 1960, who preceded her in death on Nov. 21, 2013. The couple resided all their 52 years of married life in Hudson, Pa., on the Rhoades Family Farm.
Helen grew up in Anita and worked at Cameron in Reynoldsville and at PRAMCO in Punxsutawney before joining Harold, who was a fourth generation dairy farmer. They spent their lives operating the century farm in Gaskill Township with their son, Bill. Helen was a seven year cancer survivor. Fluff enjoyed cooking for her family, reading, puzzles, Sudoku and spending time with her grandchildren, Matt and Shannie and her cat, Casper. Helen was the anchor of her family and was a devout Christian. Fluff always enjoyed the many visits from her friends and family who stopped by to visit them on the farm, many of whom visited in recent days to say goodbye to a woman who touched their lives. This was an answer to Helen's prayer because it was her desire to say goodbye to everyone. Fluff's home was always filled with visitors, and food, much to the delight of all who visited and sat down with a plate. Fluff was famous for her own casserole creations, which her family loved.
Helen is a past member of Anita Presbyterian Church, and a current member of Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church. She most recently attended Grace United Methodist Church.
Fluff is survived by her two children: a daughter, Donna J. Rhoades of Juneau and a son, William F. "Bill" Rhoades and wife Cheryl of Punxsutawney; two grandchildren, Matthew W. Rhoades and wife Heather of Punxsutawney, Shannon N. Hamaker and husband Justin of Punxsutawney; three step grandchildren, Kayla Gauding, of Punxsutawney, Robert Shick and wife Stephanie and Kenneth Shick, all of Brockway. She leaves a great-granddaughter, Cassadee Hamaker and step great-grandchildren Hayden, Carson, Caleb and Penelope. She is also survived by a nephew, Byron Rhoades and nieces Sharon Zufall, Ardis Walsh, Michelle Lentz, Melanie Brooks, Wanda Renwick, Kathy Clink, Karen Blance and Kris Edwards.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother, Edward J. Renwick; a sister, Ruby J. Dingman.
Friends will be received from 6-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, and from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Brenda D. Shumaker Funeral Home in Big Run.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home conducted by the Reverend Doug Dyson of Grace United Methodist Church and the Reverend Philip Colgan of DuBois. Interment will follow in the Rhoades Family Cemetery in Gaskill Township. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Patient Care Fund at Punxsutawney Area Hospital in care of Karen Burkett or to Grace United Methodist Church in memory of Helen "Fluff" Rhoades.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Aunt Helen was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. I will always remember all the fun on the farm. Fly high aunt Helen and enjoy your new adventure with uncle Harold
Brittany Clink
February 9, 2016
Heather,Matt,Shannon and Bill
Sorry for your loss. She was a great woman. I only met her a few times but she was very entertaining. She will be greatly missed. If you need anything all you have to do is call.
Lee Ann Fetterhoff
February 8, 2016
So sorry for your loss..sending prayers to all..she was a very nice lady..
natasha (minich) thompson
February 7, 2016
Dear Rhoades Family, Our Love and sympathy is with you at this time. Peggy (Bowers) Hineman
Peggy Hineman
February 7, 2016
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