Roma D. Rhodes was born to Glen E. and Alice (Kurtzer) Mitchell on July 15, 1935, at the Beatrice hospital.
Her three older brothers were all born in their Wymore home, so when it was time to deliver Roma, Glen told Alice, “Let’s go to the hospital this time and maybe we’ll get a girl.”
They were thrilled to welcome their first daughter and a few years later, they were blessed with two more boys. Roma always loved to say she was their “favorite” sister. They lived on their farm outside of Wymore until 1941 when the family moved to the home place east of Sprague, and made many memories along the way.
After graduating from Central High School north of Sprague in 1953, Roma moved in with her aunt Louise Egger in Lincoln. Her first job was at a doctor's office, where she received on the job training to assist doctors during various procedures.
In December 1953, Roma met Bob at the PlaMor Ballroom, where they danced as often as they could and fell in love at their favorite booth #36, which is still there today. They were married Sept.25, 1955, and lived in the Utica area. Bob served in the Army beginning in July 1956, so Roma moved in with her wonderful in-laws and worked at the Utica Medical Clinic.
Bob was discharged in April 1958 and they settled into their newly-purchased farmstead three miles west of Cordova. Daughter Sue Ellen was born in November 1959 and son Steven Robert in March 1961.
Roma loved living on the farm. She had a few chickens, a garden, and enjoyed moving irrigation pipe with the kids in their little red wagon that was wired to the back of the pipe trailer.
Bob and Roma immersed themselves in both the Cordova and Exeter communities. Roma served as a den mother when Steve was a Cub Scout, helped with Sue's Peppy Pepperett's 4-H club and taught Sunday School. She also loved cheering for the kids at their numerous events.
In 1971, Roma went to work for Dr. Zimmer and Dr. Colon at the Friend Medical Clinic. She enjoyed using her medical training again with those amazing doctors and staff. In 1986, she became a Mary Kay consultant with her co-worker, Arlene, and loved serving her customers for many years.
Roma's life was made even sweeter with the birth of Steve and Cathy's babies: Jenna Sue in May 1989 and Landon Robert in November 1992. She enjoyed being their Grandma so much and loved on them every chance she could. She faithfully attended their many activities and was always there to provide a listening ear. In July 2024, she was overjoyed to meet her first great-grandchild, Willow, and we know she’s watching over her second great-granddaughter due in a few weeks.
Roma and Bob moved to Exeter in 2008 when they bought dear Jo Biba's home. Roma loved her home town and being close to their Methodist church down the block. She served as a Methodist conference delegate and the church's historian, creating an amazing scrapbook for the members to cherish. Her years as a UMW member were very special to her.
Roma also volunteered and served on the board of the Exeter Senior Center and loved every moment of that, too. Roma's many beautiful, hand-written journals are filled with memories and pictures of everything she did and loved. She wrote about her faith, family and the many friends she made along the way through Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, Cordova Auxiliary, Utica bowling league, Cordova area FATS and their Exeter “Half and Half” card clubs. She had quite the sweet tooth and loved her mocha chocolate candies from Bakers in Greenwood which you’ll find on the tables at lunch.
Roma’s infectious smile and beautiful heart will be remembered by everyone who knew her. She loved serving her Lord throughout her 91 years and passed that faith down to her family. She has left an incredible legacy behind and we are so grateful God placed her in our lives. May her incredible love and steadfast faith inspire us all.
Roma is survived by her husband, Robert O.; daughter, Sue (Vern) Kittinger and son Steve (Cathy) Rhodes; grandchildren, Jenna Rhodes and Landon (Megan) Rhodes; and great-granddaughter, Willow; brother, Daryl (Carolyn) Mitchell; sister-in-law, Margaret Mitchell; brother-in-law John (Barb) Rhodes and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Alice Mitchell; in-laws, Harold and Ellen Rhodes; brothers, Wayne, Lyle, Harold and Donald Mitchell; sisters-in-law, Velva, Fran and Verona Mitchell.
A funeral service will be Monday, Sept. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at the Exeter Methodist Community Church with Pastor Murry Johnston presiding. Organist Delores Bailey played and soloist Megan Rhodes sang 3 hymns: “Faith Unlocks the Door”, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere”, and “God Will Take Care of You”.
Pallbearers were Mike Mitchell, Jim Sieger, Bill Krueger, Chris Mitchell, Landon Rhodes and Jenna Rhodes.
A graveside service will be at Exeter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Exeter Methodist Community Church or Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children.
Arrangements by Farmer & Son Funeral Home.
