Mary Elizabeth Rhoda, 84, Chenoa, died at 10:40 am, Thursday, May 11, 2023 at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, May 17, 2023 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chenoa; with Pastor Kyle Ronchetto officiating. Burial will follow the service in Chenoa Township Cemetery, Chenoa.
Visitation will be 9:30 to 10:45am, on Tuesday prior to the funeral also at the church in Chenoa. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is assisting with arrangements. The family suggests memorials be given to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chenoa or charity of the donor’s choice.
Mary was born August 25, 1938 in Paxton, IL; the daughter of Louis and Gertrude (Speedie) Wissmiller. She married Charles O. Rhoda on November 7, 1959 in Gibson City, IL. Her husband preceded her in death on March 21, 2015. Her parents, 4 brothers, Donald, William, Jerald “Tud” and Robert Wissmiller, and 1 sister, Kathryn Swope also preceded her in death. Survivors include one daughter, Pamela (Tom) Norris, Chenoa, IL; two sons, Gregory (Susan McCray) Rhoda, Sherman, IL; Eric (Dawn) Rhoda, Lexington, IL; one sister, Jeanette Hensley, Gibson City, IL; ten grandchildren, Elizabeth Hospelhorn, Mitchell and Jennifer Ward, Hannah Norris, Justin and Jaron Rhoda, Brooke Watson, Tyler, Alex and Ryan Rhoda, and five great grandchildren.
Mary was a member of the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chenoa where she served in many areas of ministry. Chuck and Mary were also Space Age Pioneer 4-H leaders. Mary loved her family and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
