Barbara May Rhodes

On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, we lost our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Barbara May (Bookamer) Rhodes, age 69, for the second time. We lost her the first time to Alzheimer’s disease.

Born May 26, 1945, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Martha Gerard Bookamer. She leaves behind a loving husband of 50 years, Edward Rhodes of North Sewickley Township, along with two daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly (Stephen) Gallagher of Chippewa Twp, and Tonya (David) Brown of North Sewickley Twp. She absolutely loved being the grandmother of five: Jeff and Travis Gallagher, and Nate, Andy and Susie Brown. She is also survived by her brother, Herb (Kathy) Bookamer and sister, Ruth Thompson, all of Ellwood City.

In addition to her mother, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Fred and Gary Bookamer, and sisters, Joy Yeck and Karen Marchegiano.

Barb was a 1964 Lincoln High School graduate. She was a member of Concord United Methodist Church and a former member of First Baptist Church, Ellwood City. Always happy to help, she served in many roles in the church and was a member of the North Sewickley VFD Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed being outdoors and for many years camped with the No-Sew Hobos camping club. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and watching any activities her grandchildren were involved in.

Friends will be received Friday May 1 from 2-4 and 6-9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Visitation will also be held on Saturday from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11 am at the Concord United Methodist Church. Her pastor, Rev. Brad Neel will officiate. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to Concord United Methodist Church, 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls, 15010 or the North Sewickley VFD, 887 Mercer Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Thank you to the staff at Silver Oaks Nursing Home and Celtic Hospice for all your helpful care and kindness.

The one thing Alzheimer’s cannot take away is love. Love is not a memory, it is a gift from God that resides in your heart and soul.