Laura Rhoads

Laura K. Rhoads, 89, Oley, died on Monday, Aug. 30, 2010, in Hearthstone at Amity, where she was a resident since July 6, 2010. She previously lived in Oley.

Her husband, Earl D. Rhoads, passed away on Dec. 16, 1998. They were married 59 years.

Born in Oley, she was a daughter of the late Gideon C. and Minnie H. (Knabb) Hoch.

She was a 1938 graduate of Oley Valley High School.

An active member of Salem United Church of Christ, Spangsville, she was a member of the Women's Guild and a former Sunday school teacher.

Respected for her knowledge of quilting and her creative skills in designing quilts, she was a judge of quilts at the Oley Valley Community Fair for many years. She enjoyed many happy hours of quilting with others.

Much of her life was spent on family farms where she enjoyed the farming lifestyle and being outdoors.

She is survived by a son, Leon H. Rhoads, and wife, Donna, Ruscombmanor Township, and two daughters, Ruth H., wife of Dale L. Umble, Downingtown, and Edna H., widow of James M. Dautrich, a resident at Hearthstone at Amity.

Also surviving is a brother, Eli K. Hoch, Oley.

There are also her grandchildren: Lorraine R., wife of Larry Valeriano; the Rev. Corrine R. Dautrich; Kristin R., wife of Trace Oberholtzer; Jon R. Umble, and wife, Gina; Craig L. Rhoads, and wife, Melissa; and Timothy R. Rhoads, and wife, Nicole.

A special joy in her later years was knowing her great-grandchildren: Marcus and Alex Valeriano, Jory and Clara Umble, Emily Rhoads and Kadyn Rhoads.

There are also three nieces.

She was predeceased by a grandson, Michael L. Rhoads, and her siblings: Grover and Ernest Hoch and Erma Heydt and Willi Bechtel.

The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude for the excellent care and compassion provided by Hearthstone at Amity and Caring Hospice of Fort Washington.

Services will be held in Blankenbiller Funeral Home, 423 Main St., Oley, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Oley Union Cemetery, Spangsville. Calling hour will be on Friday from 9 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Salem UCC "Trust Fund," 307 Covered Bridge Road, Oley, PA 19547. To send a condolence online, please visit www.blankenbillerfh.com.