Mildred Rhoads, age 88, of Bellefonte passed away on February 6, 2012, at Wynwood House in Centre Hall, Pa. She was born in Philipsburg on May 22, 1923, the daughter of John and Katherine Helsel Wood. Mildred was a graduate of Philipsburg High School and The School of Nursing of Philipsburg State Hospital. On August 30, 1953, she married Leonard Rhoads and moved to Bellefonte. She worked briefly as a nurse before devoting the remainder of her life to her family and home. She and Leonard were married for 54 years before he passed away on April 5, 2008.
Mildred was a dedicated member of Faith United Methodist Church in Bellefonte where her church family and service to the Lord became an important part of her life. She loved animals and enjoyed playing cards. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed attending local baseball and football games. She especially liked Penn State football, Duke basketball, and the Yankees. She loved baking for others and was famous for her cookies and applesauce.
Mildred is survived by daughters Ruth Meyers (Steve) of Centre Hall and Mary Suto (Tony) of Sterling, Massachusetts; grandchildren Kenneth Grubb (Stephanie) of Greenville, Pa. and Brittany Suto of Sterling, Massachusetts; great-grandchildren Nathan, Rachel, Aliza, and Jeremiah Grubb; sisters-in-law Pearl Wood of Philipsburg, Esther Thomas of Bellefonte, and Hazel Markle of State College, brother-in-law Tom Rhoads (Doris) of Tucson, Arizona; many beloved nieces and nephews; and very special friends who have provided much love and support over the past year. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Wood, and sister, Dorothy Peters.
Mildred's family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the care and support she received at Wynwood House in Centre Hall. We will miss her dearly, but we rejoice with her that she is with her Heavenly Father and reunited with Leonard and other family and friends.
Family will receive friends 6-8 PM, Monday February 13, 2012 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at the Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes Street, Bellefonte, with Reverend Andrew R. Morgan officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 512 Hughes Street, Bellefonte, Pa 16823 or Centre County PAWS, Inc., 1401 Trout Road, State College, Pa 16801.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com