Obituary of Mary Rhodes

Mary Norene (McLaughlin) Rhodes, age 87, went to spend eternity with her beloved husband on September 26, 2013 when her soul took flight to the realm beyond. She was born in Stoneboro, PA on July 25, 1926 to the late, William and Margaret (Doyle) McLaughlin. Norene married the love of her life, Ralph Adelbert Rhodes, on April 9, 1955. Their loving 55 year journey together ended June 25, 2010 with Ralph's demise. With endless devotion she lovingly took care of him during his courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Norene lived with dignity, comfort, peace, and now is secure in the arms of the Lord. In addition to parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her eldest son, Brian H. Rhodes, and a brother, Joseph R. McLaughlin. Norene and Ralph were partners in Penn-Ohio Machinery Company for 53 years retiring in 2005. Before marriage, she had been employed at Talon Inc. in Meadville, PA for 11 years in the testing laboratory. She and Ralph loved traveling together and with their family. They had driven in all of the upper 48 states for business and vacations. Norene was a voracious reader and a crossword puzzle whiz, but her greatest joy and happiness were all of her "gifts from God." Norene was a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, but spent her final years in Colorado surrounded and loved by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Norene will be remembered for the intensive passion she displayed in pursuing her values, her exquisite tastes, creativity, attention to details, and the thoughtfulness and loving compassion she had for those around her. She had a deep love and faith in God and looked to Him for her hopes and strengths. "Grieve for her passing, but keep your heart open to all that she left behind for us to love." Norene is survived by a daughter, Lisa (Rhodes) Kita, and husband, Bob, of Colorado Springs, CO, a son, Eric, and wife, Betsy Rhodes, of Erie, 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren: Emily (Kita) and husband Lt. James Kundert, children: James, Mary, and Rachael of Colorado Springs, CO, Joseph Kita of Denver, CO, Jason Rhodes and wife Nikki, sons, Malcolm and Elliot, of Baltimore, MD, Brandon Rhodes of Erie, Ryan Rhodes and fiancée, Kate Kolbosky of Erie. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Sunday from 4 until 8 p.m. and are invited there on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Service there at11:00 a.m. conducted by the Msgr. Daniel Magraw. Interment will be immediately following at Millers Station Cemetery in Cambridge Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.