Mary Jonell Rhoades

Muncie - Surrounded by her family, Mary Jonell Kear Rhoades, 89, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Westminster Village, Muncie, Indiana.
The oldest child of Willis (Bill) Leonard and Zetah Warfel Kear, Jonell was born on Monday, January 6, 1936, in Muncie. She was baptized at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and remained a life-long member. During her formative years she attended St. Lawrence School, and then attended Muncie Central High School, graduating in 1953. As a proud Bearcat, she was an enthusiastic member of the cheer block, supporting the boys' basketball team as they claimed historic victories in the 1952 and 1953 state championships. She graduated from the St. Vincent School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana in 1956.
Jonell returned to Muncie and was employed at Ball Memorial Hospital where she rose to the position of supervisor in the emergency department. On April 8, 1961, she put her career on hold when she married Franklin Delano Rhoades, with whom she had seven children. They moved to Yorktown and settled in a house they built with the help of the Kear and Rhoades families and friends. Frank died unexpectedly in 1974, and with the love and support of these families and friends, she raised her children with strength and fortitude.
Jonell returned to the work force at BMH Homecare, caring for homebound patients. She soon developed an interest in public health, writing and obtaining grants to support health screening and education at local businesses, factories, and health fairs. She taught natural childbirth classes at the practice of Dr. Gert Voss.
After retiring in 1998, she enjoyed family and friends, music, cooking, gardening, traveling, theatre, and participating in her Red Hat Society/Feisty Ladies group. She was a certified Master Gardener. At St. Lawrence, she served on the liturgical committee and RCIA formation, where she guided many people as they joined the Catholic faith.
She recently moved to Westminster Village, Muncie, Indiana, where she enjoyed dining with her new circle of friends.
Jonell is survived by her children: Ann (Mark) Clevenger, Muncie; Laura Rhoades, Toronto, Ontario; Pete (Cammee) Rhoades, Yorktown; Amy (Jan) Crider, New Castle; Jim Rhoades, Yorktown; Dan (Becky) Rhoades, Yorktown, and Liza (Phil) Dargo, Gaston. Her surviving grandchildren: Andrew Clevenger, Daniel Clevenger, Olivia Anderson, Alex Rhoades, Audrey Atwood, Hannah (fiancé Kadin Brown) Smith, Kelsey Rhoades, Madalean (Justin) Cross, Jacob (Samantha) Rhoades, Chelsee (Justin) Journay, Brennen Dargo, Frank (Kelli) Dargo, and Jamie (husband Jamie Daly) Dargo. Surviving great-grandchildren are: Isabella Clevenger, Braylon Clevenger, Olivia Dargo, Charli Dargo, Ian Stewart, Meya Journay, and Ira Journay.
She is also survived by her sister Carol Thornburg, Daleville; brother Bill (Carla) Kear, Cowan; sister-in-law Vicki Hermanson Kear, Indianapolis; dear friends Marianne Robinson, Muncie and Chris Rouse, Anderson, and scores of cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Jonell was predeceased by her in-laws Vernon and Beatrice Rhoades; brother Ferg Kear; sister Susie Rowe; brothers-in-law Danny Thornburg and Phil Rowe; grandson Zac Rhoades, and lifelong friends Mimi Leach, Jacque Hossom, and Marianne Reinke.
Calling hours will be Friday, April 4, 2024, at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church from 11:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Elm Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, 100 N. Celia Avenue, Muncie, IN 47303.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Westminster Village staff on Abbey Court and on the Independent Living wing, and to Southern Care Hospice (especially Julie and Rita), for the attentiveness and compassion shown in caring for our mother.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.