Doris Leathers Rhoads

Doris Leathers Rhoads December 22, 1933 April 29, 2014 Doris Elaine Leathers Rhoads, 80, of Tucson, Ariz., died in her sleep at Casa de la Luz Hospice surrounded by family on April 29, 2014. She was born Dec. 22, 1933 in Bellefonte, Pa., to Roy and Myda Leathers, who, along with her sister Hilda and brothers Don and Stan, preceded her in death. She graduated from Bellefonte Area High School in 1951 and later obtained an associates degree from Penn State. She married Thomas Edward Rhoads in 1952. She worked as a telephone operator in Bellefonte, where she raised her four sons Thomas (Linda), Michael (Sheri), Douglas (Deb) and Daniel (Georgette) who survive her. She was a caring and loving mother and very active in her sons' lives and education. She worked in sales in Tucson, Ariz., with her last job being book seller. She was an avid reader and taught her husband and sons to read and discuss books. She had a special bond with each of her children and grandchildren and she kept every picture, card, note and gift that she ever received from them. She remembered details about each of them and was always present for special events in their lives; she would often surprise them with gifts and places to visit that she knew they would love. She is survived by her husband; sons; grandchildren Tara, Daniel, Matthew, Jessica Ellis, Josh, Zachary, Molly, Evan, Lauren, Haley and Elsie; great-granddaughters Maura Elaine, Zoey Rae, Olivia Grace and Peyton; and sisters Marjorie, Estella, and Marilyn. Memorial donations may be made to Casa de la Luz Hospice, 5830 N. Fountains Ave # 2, Tucson, AZ 85704. Funeral arrangements are being made by Desert Rose Heather Mortuary, 1040 N. Columbus Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85711 (520-322-6131). A memorial service will be held at a later date.