Gwen Rhoades

Gwendolyn K. (Gwen) K. Rhoades entered the gates of heaven on May 17, 2025 at the age of 78. She was the daughter of Daniel and Mildred Heckman and born on 2/27/1947.
Siblings are Rose 'Jean' Temchulla, Michael Heckman, Dan Heckman, Jr. She graduated from Clarion Limestone class of '65 as the class valedictorian, received her Secondary Math Degree in Education from Clarion State College and taught one year in Sharpsville, Pa only to find out that it was not her true calling.
She was married to Howard Rhoades, Jr on Aug 9, 1969 by Rev Roger Allen. Gwen and Howard were married for "better or worse" through thick and thin for over 55 years. She was a dedicated mother raising 3 girls, Shelly Rhoades, Stephanie Brinkley (Jason), Wendy Shevock (Paul).
At the age of 40 she went back into labor market being a bank teller which she loved interfacing with the public. At age of 47 she was diagnosed with serious aggressive cancer. She licked it and survived 30 years cancer free. At the age of 50 she became a partner with her husband who started their company business of G+H General Contracting. Gwen mastered the payroll responsibilities, handled all the bookkeeping paperwork and billing for 16+ years.
Gwen's favorite activities were tole painting, sewing, canning, making the best chocolate chip cookies to share, annual Christmas shopping trips with her daughters, visits and activities at the Rhoades camp.
Besides her faith, her family was the most important part of her life which was evident in the abundance of love she showed them. As a Christian, she was dedicated to raising her family to understand the values of Christian life and learn how precious life and family are. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, Gavin Brinkley, Bryce Brinkley, Lauren Brinkley, Ryan Shevock, Natalie Shevock. Gwen was a huge supporter of her children's activities and grandkid's activities, she was there whenever possible, even when her health start failing her.
She taught Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion for two and half decades. Going to church was her passion. When her health started failing, it was always "I want to go to church". Her Circle "5" was also important to her at church. She assisted many years with the Methodist youth and their mission workcamps. She handled funeral dinners for around 15 years at FUMC.
Her legacy will be remembered as "all about family", "all about church", "all about loving life and sharing that love with whoever she was around". She was a true servant of God and mankind.
A special appreciation goes out to the "five couple gang" which we have been blessed to be part of. We enjoyed our yearly get-aways for four decades.
Our family wishes to thank with grateful hearts all the many caretakers and support persons that have been by our side throughout the recent months. They include nurses in our home, therapists in our home, nurses and doctors at the Clarion Hospital and Butler Hospital, Clarion/Forest VNA and hospice, Laurel Brooke McKinley Rehab center.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory in Clarion and on Tuesday from 10:00 AM till time of services at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion with Rev. Jody Smith officiating.
Interment will follow in the Clarion Cemetery.
Friends and family may send online condolences, order flowers and memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.