Opal T. Rhoades

© Marietta Monitor

October 31, 2003, pg 4

Submitted by: Martha N. Reddout

Services for Opal T. Rhoades, 90, of Burneyville, were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 25, at the First Baptist Church, Marietta, with Rev. Mark Gunnels officiating.

Mrs. Rhoades was born September 4, 1913, at Putnam, the daughter of James M. and Angie Sanders Baker. She died Wednesday, October 22, 2003, in the Mercy Health Love County, Marietta.

A homemaker, Mrs. Rhoades had been a resident of Love County most of her life. She and Frank Rhoades were married on April 29, 1929, in Arapaho, and he preceded her in death on November 27, 1981. She was well-known for the pies and other pastries she baked for the Fields Restaurant in Pauls Valley. She also worked as a dietary aide at the Love County Health Center in Marietta, retiring after ten years.

Mrs. Rhoades was of the true pioneer spirit. She enjoyed helping others, especially senior citizens. She delighted in sharing her pies and peanut brittle with neighbors. Her other hobby was crocheting, from which many friends and neighbors benefited, as well as her family. Mrs. Rhoades was the last surviving member of the Rhoades/Baker generation. She was an active member of the Burneyville Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Gene and Sharon Rhoades of Burneyville; four daughters and sons-in-law, Mildred Williams of Gainesville, Texas, Jo McCurley of Chickasha, Evelyn and Leslie West of Whitesboro, Texas, and Elaine and Bruce Keeler of Purcell; one daughter-in-law, Pat Rhoades of Gainesville; 22 grandchildren; and 46 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Lee Rhoades in 1997; a brother, Hinton Baker; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Johnny Williams, Ronald West, Randy Rhoades, Justin Keeler, Ronald Rhoades and Eskel Newsom. Honorary pallbearers were Rex Harrill, Billy Bob Taylor, Paul Hallum, Joe Pete Martin, David Black, Bobby Michael, Tony Phillips and Wayne Alexander.

Interment was in the Lakeview Cemetery, Marietta, under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home, Marietta.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Burneyville Baptist Church, c/o Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home, 100 East Main, Marietta, OK 73448.