Helen Delores Rhoades of Palm City, Florida died peacefully at home with family on July 27, 2025.

Helen Rhoades was born in Fairmont, WV to Lester Glenn and Hazel Pearl Lewis on November 6, 1932.  Deceased siblings are William (Doris) Lewis and Robert Lewis. Surviving siblings are Dixie (James) Holcomb, Jean (Tom) Commodari and Jenny (Eric) Neptune.

Helen married Darel A. (Bunt) Rhoades on April 16, 1951. They celebrated their 60th anniversary on April 16, 2001, shortly before Darel's death.

Three children were born to them: Richard Darel Rhoades, Helen Joyce (Kim) Trussell and Susan Frances (Sam) Chess. One deceased grandchild is Phillip Jontz (Christy) Rhoades.  Surviving grandchildren are Steve (Kelly) Chess, Holly (Craig) Jochum, Heidi (Derek) Pagan, Rockelle (Matt) Kornak, Anthony (Hillary) Chess, Heather Chess, Jodi Ramirez, Kaleb Rhoades, Seth (Kayla) Rhoades and 20 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Helen and Bunt accepted Jesus as Savior on the same night at an altar call service on March 25th, 1956.  As the Hymn writer put it, Helen stated, "I then rode on the sky, freely justified I, nor did envy Elijah his seat.  My glad soul mounted higher in a chariot of fire and the moon it was under my feet."  Helen's life radically changed after this, as she selflessly dedicated her time to serving her family and others.

As her grandchildren arrived and grew she started "Good News Clubs" for Children in her back yard, She would later go on a Mission Trip to Romania which she considered a highlight of her life.  She faithfully cared for patients as a Nurses' Aid and was loved by them and family alike.  She and her husband, Darel, were Founding Members of Grace Emmanuel Church of Port St. Lucie, FL where her son-in-law, Sam Chess, is the Senior Pastor and Darel helped in constructing the new Building.   Helen taught Junior Church to the children there in its early years. She held Bible Studies in her home for years, led by Nancy Lee. In later years, she began to write daily devotionals on Facebook up until a month before her demise.  Many will testify to her encouragement through her "Sips of Living Water."

Helen loved the Ministry of Care Net Pregnancy Services of the Treasure Coast where her daughter is the CEO.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to this ministry to young moms and dads facing unplanned pregnancy by simply clicking this link and select "in honor of" from the drop-down Memory https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/carenet.  Helen loved the babies and enjoyed the stories of lives changed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 23st at 4PM at Grace Emmanuel Church 707 Kitterman Rd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.  There will be a meal to follow.  A livestream link at start of service will be available here:  https://www.youtube.com/@grace_emmanuel_church at that time.  Later the link will be available at the Church website on the media link here on www.graceemmanuel.com.