Barbara “Barb” C. Rhodes, 96, passed away on November 11, 2025. She was born on December 17, 1928, in Chicago, the daughter of James and Odis (Edmonds) Rhodes. She graduated from Austin High School in Chicago. Barb worked in sales at Sears in Chicago for many years. She loved to travel and visit botanical gardens, bingo and crafts at Wesley Willows and have lunch outings with her senior friend group in Norridge, IL. Barb loved her family and treated her nieces and nephews like her own.
She is survived by her brother, James (Carletta “Kitty”) Rhodes; sister-in-law, Jean Rhodes; nieces/nephews, Jimmy, Carol, Barbara, Donna, David, Debora, Dennis, and Dale; numerous great and great great nieces and nephews; and her friends at Peterson Meadows and Wesley Willows. She is predeceased by her parents and brother, Charles Rhodes.
A Funeral Service will be on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108 with a visitation prior to the service starting at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Oakridge-Glen Oaks Cemetery, 4301 W. Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL 60162.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1860 South Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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