Julie Diane Rhodes, daughter of the late Floyd Emery and Patricia Marlene (Donaldson) Ross, was born on June 29, 1958, in Springfield, Illinois, and passed away on July 23, 2024, in Cabool, Missouri. She was 66 years and 24 days of age.
Julie led a life filled with love and care for her family. As a homemaker and caregiver, she dedicated herself to ensuring the well-being and happiness of those around her. Her kind and caring nature touched the lives of all who knew her. She met the love of her life and her soul mate, Luther Rhodes, in 1974 and they were married on May 4, 1984.
One of Julie’s greatest joys was creating beautiful works of art. She has a passion for painting and crafting, often spending hours making intricate designs on birdhouses and wreaths. Her creativity knew no bounds, and her artwork will serve as a lasting legacy of her talent.
Some of the fondest memories were the family camping trips. She cherished the moments spent outdoors with her loved ones, especially an unforgettable trip along the Current River where she had hurt her arm and then walked eight miles along the riverbank. These shared experiences created bonds that will forever live on in her family’s hearts. Julie’s culinary skills were also a source of pride for her. Known as a master baker, her brownies were always in high demand. Her chili made on Christmas Eve was legendary among those blessed enough to taste it.
Besides her parents, Julie was preceded in death by her husband, Luther Rhodes I; three siblings, Kelly, Floyd, and Micah Ross; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Rust and Karen Smith.
Julie is survived by her three daughters, Patricia Rhodes and her life partner, Mark Holt, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Melissa Rhodes of Cabool, Missouri, and Courtney Penn and her husband, David, of Cabool, Missouri; one son, Luther Rhodes II and his wife, Renee, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; four brothers, Joel Ross from Springfield, Missouri, Alan Ross and his wife, Rebecca, of Cabool, Missouri, Jess Ross of Licking, Missouri, and Aaron Ross of Springfield, Missouri; one sister, Joy Gaston and her husband, Roger, of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Manuela Ross of Cabool, Missouri, and Linda Glenn from Cabool, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Sheena Holt, Dustin Blackmon, Sarah Nunnery, Ashley Reese, Austin Parsons, Gary Kobylski, Luther Rhodes III, Makayla Rhodes, Sydney Darter, Logan Batton, David Penn II, and Brandon Penn; nine great-great-grandchildren and many other family and friends and that will miss her very much.
The family has requested that donations may also be made to Lone Star Cemetery.
