Marcia “Mickey” Rhoads, 77, of Gainesville, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children on October 18, 2O24, at Gainesville Healthcare Center after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia.
She was born September 10,1947, in Harper, KS, the daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Leo Berg. She graduated Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, WV in 1965 then obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Kansas in 1970 before beginning her nursing career in Labor & Delivery, which remained her passion for well over 40 years. She followed in her mother’s footsteps when she decided to become a nurse and inspired her daughter to become a third generation RN. She was a brilliant mentor to many and served countless families with her gentle hands and heart.
Mickey married Jimmy Ronald Rhoads in 1972, to whom she would stay married until his passing in 2009. To this union, two children were born: daughter, Kalynn, and son, Steven. She adored her children and together she & Jim raised them well.
She loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending as much time as she could with them. Her fur babies were her family too, especially LaChina, Fiona and Ginger. She adored and spoiled them all. Though she enjoyed reading, playing games, tending her flower gardens, cooking, baking and crafting, Mickey’s favorite role was that as a grandmother. She treasured her time with her grandson and loved being his Nana. Some favorite memories include cinnamon sugar toast mornings, reading books, building a myriad of things out of cardboard boxes, and going to the park and library together. She always encouraged and nurtured his robust imagination and his love of reading. She was so proud of him.
She was preceded in death by one still born child, her husband, both parents, her brother (and sister-in law), Dr. James (Sarah) Berg, and one nephew, Andrew Helman. She is survived by her daughter, Kalynn Rhoads, her son, Steven Rhoads, her grandson, Drake Rhoads, all of Gainesville, MO; her sister (and brother-in-law), Mary (David) Helman, of Fairfax, VA, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones.
Mickey will always be remembered for her kindness, her brilliance and her “by the book” way of doing things. She will be deeply missed by many. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff of both Gainesville Healthcare Center and Compassus Hospice for their loving care of Mickey during the last months of her Life. Each of you were a blessing to her, and us, and we are so grateful.
A casual Celebration of Life dessert party will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 2-4pm at the family home located in the old Church of Christ building at 190 Main Street, Gainesville 65655. Please come as you are and, if you wish, bring a sweet treat or dessert to share.
Cremation services are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
