Mary E. Rhoads age 93 of Jeromesville, passed away on Sunday June 8, 2025 at her residence surrounded by family.
Born on August 22, 1931, the daughter of Clare and Ida (Morr) Swineford, Mary Esther Rhoads was a resident of Ashland County all of her life. She graduated from the Ashland High School in 1950. She worked at the J.J. Newberry Store, Farmers Production Credit Association, and in Food Service with Ashland City Schools, where she retired as a cashier at Edison Elementary. Mary helped her husband with all of the farm work, driving tractors, feeding the beef cattle and hogs, as well as canning and freezing homegrown vegetables and fruits, all while raising six children. She was a 4-H advisor and found time to sew clothes for her family, as well as teach her children to sew. She loved cooking and sharing several dishes at all family and church gatherings. She was also a faithful member of the Trinity Country Church, the family church she grew up in. She taught Sunday School classes, was active in Willing Workers, and served in various church positions for over 80 years. Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She loved spending time with all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mary will be greatly missed by family and friends.
On October 11, 1953 Mary was married to Joe W. Rhoads who preceded her in death in 2017.
Surviving are six children; Linda (Robert) Wiley of Ashland, Carol (Brant) Kinney of Ashland, Deborah (Kevin) McMasters of Powell, Ohio, Bonnie (Robert) Stevens of Michigan, Betty (Richard) Martin of Ashland, and Robert (Krista) Rhoads of Columbus.
Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, plus one on the way. She is also survived by two sisters; Joan Allen of Jeromesville and Bernice (Dwight) Morr of Ashland and one brother, Charles William Swineford of Fairfield, Ohio.
In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 65 years, Joe Rhoads on Dec. 5, 2017; granddaughter, Amanda Wheaton; one sister, Maxine Burns; and three brothers,Ralph Swineford, Homer Swineford, andJames Swineford.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Trinity Country Church, 1301 State Route 89, Ashland, Ohio 44805 at 11:00 am with Pastor James Scott officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Monday June 16, 2025, from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm at the Heyl Funeral Home, 227 Broad St., Ashland, OH. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Trinity Country Church Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to Gentiva Hospice, Dr. Pierre, RN Amanda and staff for all of their loving care and support, as well as Private Caregiver, Audri.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Country Church; Gentiva Hospice at 112 Harcourt Rd. #3, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050; or a charity or organization of your choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com
Heyl Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements.
Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home
Website: .heylfuneralhome.com