Nancy Rhoades

November 21st, 1948 - August 19th, 2010

Nancy's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Nancy here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

We would like to extend our condolences to the family. Nancy was one of the friendliest persons I knew. She was always right there at the corner waiting for kids. I always seen a book in her hands,no matter where I saw her , walking , crossing guard station, or the ball park. She was a great Mother and a Great Grandma to her grandkids. She sure did support the boys in their ball games. Last year she started giving our 3 year old granddaughter , Juliana, S tootsie roll pop sucker every morning when her dad and her would stop at he stop sign on the way here to our house to be babysat everyday... She will be greatly missed.... God Bless the family. Ron and Sue Washegesic.

Sue and Ron Washegesic

Nancy has been my neighbor my whole life. I can honestly say that she is one of the kindest people that I have ever known. She was a g.i.v.e.r.. She opened her door to anyone, or anything, that needed her. Everyone from a hungry stray cat looking for a meal, a kid trying to cross the street after school, a neighbor looking for a cup of sugar, or me: a little girl who needed someone to walk her to school. Nancy was always there for people.

Her kindness, generosity, and good spirit are unparalleled. She will certainly be missed.

Stef Fritz

Nikki, Casey, and family, I have known Nancy for more years then I can remember, and all of those years she has been a "true" friend. She always extended herself to each and everyone of the kids she helped cross the street, or "us" her other kids. Your mom will truely be missed, and the South Haven Police Dept. have lost a loyal employee, which has sadden all of us. It just won't be the same on Kalamazoo and Elkenburg with out her there.... My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Vickiy Kozlik Wall

We are very sorry to have learned of this tremendous loss to the Rhodes family.I have known Nancy probably since the age of 4 or 5. She was friends with my father, as well as my Aunt Emily and other family members when they used to be here.

Nancy has alway's been such a friendly and upbeat individual and it just is not going to be the same not seeing her every morning after I drop my little girl off at her sitters.

I know this pain all to well from having lost both my parents years before we ever could have imagined, so I know the hurt and devistation all to well.

I have never heard Nancy speak an unkind word to anyone, and her love for kids has always shined through.

There is no amount of words I could ever say to you to let you know how sorry we are for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family daily. There is no doubt that she will be missed!

May God hold and comfort all of you during this time and always.

Sincerely,

Elaine and Olivia Goodrich (Carter.)

Elaine Goodrich-Carter

My condolences to Bart and Casey and all of the Rhoades family. I was stunned when I first heard of Nancy's passing and cried. Then when Bart called and confirmed it, I was hard pressed not to start crying again.

I worked with Nancy for many years and know that being a crossing guard was more than a job to her. She took her responsibilities very seriously and was a real shepherd to all the children. Only her own children and grandchildren were more important to her. They lit up her life.

The counted cross stitch she made for me fifteen years ago still hangs above my desk in the bookstore, and will always be one of my treasures.

Always,

Gloria Veltman

Gloria Veltman

I was a "walker" during my 5th grade year at Central. Nancy was the crossing guard. One day my mom was able to pick me up and as we turned from Broadway to Superior the car stalled. I was mortified and instantly hid on the floorboard. When my mom rolled down the window, Nancy said to me, "Don't worry Suzy, the kids don't know you're in here and I won't say a word, just stay down". She then gave me a friendly wink to seal her promise. In the days and years after that afternoon she'd always give me that wink when she saw me. Nancy's service for the safety of our young, with no desire for recognition, was truly extraordinary. I pray Lord that Nancy's family and friends feel your love as they celebrate the life of this wonderful woman.