Obituary for Karen Rhoades

Karen Sue (Hodges) Rhoades

May 23, 1952 ~ November 4, 2022 (age 70)

Karen Sue Rhoades, our precious wife, mother, grandmother, and sister joined her parents in heaven on November 4, 2022, after a short battle with cancer. Karen was born in Ponca City, OK on May 23, 1952, to Clyde & Freda (Benoit) Hodges. Karen’s early childhood years were spent in Ponca City, OK then the family moved to Fort Morgan, CO. Karen’s father worked in the oilfield and moved the family to Gillett, WY, then they moved to Goodland, KS. At the age of 16, Karen moved back Ponca City with her family. Karen’s sister, Patty introduced her to the love of her life, Jimmy Rhoades in 1969, after Karen caught Jimmy’s eye while he was cruising Grand in his 1969 Chevy Nova. They were married on January 14th, 1970.

From this union three children were born, Michael James, Wendy Marie, and Andrea Nichole. Karen and Jimmy enjoyed camping and trail rides in their younger days with their children, family, and friends. Karen was especially proud of her son Michael and his service to his country. She worried endless nights when he was overseas that he was ok. Karen looked forward to his calls to let his momma know he was alright. Karen also enjoyed her Girls’ Day with Wendy & Andy. They would go shopping and laugh. Karen would always say she was the butt of everyone’s jokes. Karen also enjoyed Black Friday shopping. She was always ready to get the best deal. So much so that she was willing to ride in the very back of Andy’s car so she could get her new TV. Karen had seven grandchildren that were the light of her life. Christmas was Karen’s favorite holiday. Papa says Grammie would go crazy spending money for gifts for the grandkids. Karen bragged endlessly when, Jaymie Sueanne, blessed her with her first two great-grandchildren. She loved those babies. Karen & Jimmy enjoyed their date nights going to dinner and the casino. Karen especially enjoyed hitting Jimmy when she would HIT big on a machine. It had become regular weekly even until Karen became sick in April and was no longer able to go. Karen was also an avid OSU fan. She loved to cheer on her Pokes on Saturdays.

Karen was a stay-at-home mother until her baby, Andy, began kindergarten. Karen began working as the City Clerk for the Town of Marland and driving a bus for Marland School and later Frontier School. In 1995, Karen began her 27-year career at Albertson’s Warehouse. Karen was affectionately known by her co-workers as “Momma Rhoades”. Karen loved her job and hated that she was no longer able to go when she got sick. Karen missed her lunches with Saundra and giving Cheri a hard time about all the work she had to do. Karen recently celebrated her 70th birthday and cried with joy when the “girls” came to her birthday party.

Karen is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jimmy, of the home. Her son, Michael James, and wife Nancy of Enid, OK. Daughters, Wendy Hawk, companion Jay Forester, Andrea Siler, husband Jamie, all of Marland. Grand-children, Clinton Shane Kimbrell, wife Megan, of Edmond, OK. Jaymie Sueanne Moore, husband Dakota, of Enid, OK. Randie Michelle Potts, husband Marc of Stillwater, OK. Kelsey Ann Burgess, husband Bryden, of Ponca City, OK, Shelby Frances-Marie Siler, companion Aaron Atkins, of Ponca City, OK. Thomas James Siler, of Norman, OK, and McKinnlee Danelle Hawk, of Marland, OK. Great grand-children, David James & Adelyn Faith Moore of Enid, OK. Siblings, Patty Evans, husband Kenneth of Marland, OK, and brother Carl Hodges, wife Cathy of Manhattan, KS, sister-in-law, Connie Farnam, of Ponca City, OK, and sister-in-law Vernie Vernon of Mulvane, KS. Karen was also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Hodges and Freda Studer. Her brother, Robert Hodges. Her mother and father-in-law, Winfrey & Verna (Frances) Rhoades, and her brother-in-law, Danny Rhoades. Niece Carla Ann Bales and nephew Ricky Vernon.

Karen’s services will be Wednesday, November 9th, 2022, 2 pm at Marland Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Meador officiating. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Shane Kimbrell, TJ Siler, Dakota Moore, Marc Potts, Bryden Burgess, and her nephew Dusty Rhoades. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jay Forester, Aaron Atkins, Kenneth Evans, Sid Ingmire, & Marty Schneeberger. The family will greet guests at Grace Memorial Chapel, 2016 N 14th St., Ponca City, OK, on Tuesday November 8th, 2022 from 4 to 7pm.

The family would like to thank Hospice of North Central Oklahoma for their care over the last two weeks, especially Melissa Riggle.

Our hearts are broken but we know momma is no longer in pain and is celebrating with her momma and brother in heaven.