Minnie Mae Rhoads, daughter of George and Mahalia Elizabeth Jennings Smith, was born September 10, 1912, near Corkery, Missouri. She departed this life Saturday, December 30, 2006, in Christian Healthcare South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, three months, and twenty days.

On July 18, 1931, she was united in marriage to Earl James Rhoads, and to this union three daughters and eight sons were born.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl, on December 6, 1998; five sons, Gary Don, Jerry Lee, Howard Dean, Richard Earl, and Paul Eugene Rhoads; a daughter-in-law, Janet Elaine Rhoads; seven brothers, Vernie, Rhoder, John, and William Smith, and three infants; and three sisters, her twin, Winnie Rhoads, Amanda Rowden and Gertie Clark.

Minnie is survived by her children, Darlene Payne, and her husband, Robert, Stanley Rhoads, Pam Anderson, David Rhoads, and his wife, Pat, and Janice Uder, and her husband, Kenny, all of Lebanon, Missouri, and James "Butch" Rhoads, and his wife, Sherry, of Richmond, Virginia; twenty-five grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

She was raised in Dallas County, and then moved to the Lebanon area. After she and Earl were married, they made their home on their farm, near Lebanon, and lovingly raised their eleven children. In addition to being a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, Minnie was employed for a few years at the Rice Stix Factory. She worked hard, taking care of her family and especially caring for her son that was ill.

Minnie had made her profession of faith in Christ and attended the West Side Church of God in Lebanon.

She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for all her family and friends. She was a selfless person who always put everyone else before herself. She loved her family dearly and particularly enjoyed all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Minnie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2007, in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Lebanon. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 7 - 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri.