Phyllis Jean Rhodes

Phyllis Jean Rhodes

Phyllis J. Rhodes, 79, longtime resident of Hibbing, Minn., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

She was born July 7, 1946, to William and Lucille (Frye) Pertula in Hibbing. She entered the Sacrament of Marriage with Joseph Rhodes on August 10, 1968. Together, they owned and operated Woof-n-Purr for 30 plus years. She later was employed with Walmart, and took pride as a greeter for 24 years, alongside her Walmart family. Because of these two professions, Phyllis met a lot of people, clients, and animals. She will be sadly missed by everyone including the animals that she cared for and touched the lives of so many throughout her two careers.

She loved having coffee with her lady's coffee group, going to garage sales, decorating, hanging out in her screen house, yardwork, and entertaining, in which she always had the best decorated house no matter the holiday. Phyllis especially enjoyed holidays, sporting events with her children and grandchildren throughout their youth. Her grandchildren were a huge part of her life. Phyllis was thankful for the love of her kids, family and grandchildren, great-grandchildren and dogs!

Phyllis is survived by children, Patrick (Brynn) Rhodes, Hibbing, and Molly (Shawn) Anderson, Andover, MN, sister, Marge (Don) Frider, Hibbing, MN, 9 grandchildren, Parker (Ally) Rhodes, Skylar (Mallory Greenwood) Rhodes, Lucy Anderson, Nolan Anderson, Evie Anderson, Hunter (Maegan Reder) Carpenter, Kimber Carpenter, Jagger Carpenter, and Ruger Carpenter, two great-grandchildren, Dakota Carpenter and Hudson Rhodes, aunt, "JoJo" Payne, cousin, Sharon Mercogliano, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and we cannot forget, her beloved dogs, Cookie and Foxie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 2020, and her parents, William and Lucille (Frye) Pertula.

Phyllis' family would like to send a sincere thank you for all of the wonderful care she received from all of her amazing doctors, and nurses within the last year. Also, a big thank you to Fairview Hospice for the exceptional support and care they provided through this difficult time.

Funeral services for Phyllis will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Marty Rice will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service at the funeral home on Saturday. Interment will be in the MN State Veterans Cemetery-Saginaw, at a later date.

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.