Makalia Rae Rhoades

Makalia Rae Rhoades, 26, of Columbus, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 20, 2025 from leptomeningeal carcinoma. She fought hard for 5 weeks till her last breath. She was the daughter of Brandon and Amy Rhoades, born on July 21, 1999. Makalia graduated with her Bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Forensic Psychology, with desires of being a FBI profiler. Reading and writing short stories was something she enjoyed when not consumed in her studies or working diligently at her job with Cummins Fuel Systems. Her favorite quote was, "Go ahead and live with your head held high! No matter how devastated you may be by your own weakness or uselessness, set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead." from Demon Slayer her all-time favorite show. She loved her pets dogs, Rosie and Hunter. She was very fond of her guinea pigs, Wynona and O'Phelia. Makalia often spent her time with her loved ones and held each one of them in her heart. Makalia is the best daughter, the best sister, and the best KiKi there will ever be. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Survivors include her parents, and siblings, Isac Rhoades; sister in law Esperanza Rhoades, and Taylor Moon; niece, Lydia Rae Moon; nephew, Maverick Bruce Moon, grandparents Richard (Rick) and Beverlee Williams, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who all love her dearly. She was preceded in death by her maternal great grandma Patricia Schulz and paternal uncles Roger Ellis and Mo Rhoades, and great grandparents Eva and Randolph Rhoades. A celebration of life will be held on a date yet, to be determined. Please watch the website for updated information as to the date and time. Services were entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.