Virginia A. Rhoades, 81, of Strattanville, passed away from this life on Wednesday afternoon, August 13, 2014, at the Clarion Hospital to an eternal life with her Lord and Savior.

She will forever be remembered for her faithfulness and love of her walk with her Lord.

Born at her family home in Strattanville on December 16, 1932; she was the daughter of the late Elton H. and Frances Z. Reardon Gross.

Virginia was married on August 29, 1955 to Richard S. Rhoades, whom preceded her in death on June 27, 2008. They were married for 52 years.

She worked for the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant, C-L High School cafeteria, and was a school bus driver for C-L Schools. She was a member of the Strattanville United Methodist Church, the church she grew up in and served the Lord for many years. She was also a member of the Strattanville American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Strattanville Red Hatters. She was an avid quilter and crocheted making afghans for all the new babies around. She enjoyed playing her piano. Above all else, she enjoyed being a mother and loved being with her family.

Virginia is survived by nine children, Robin L. Aaron and her husband, Melvin, of Strattanville, Sheldon D. Rhoades and his wife, Kathy, of Strattanville, Daniel G. Rhoades of Clarion, Wesley M. Rhoades and his wife, Chris, of Curllsville, William A. Rhoades of Charlotte, Michigan, Betty J. Mumford of Brookville, Dennis L. Rhoades of Brookville, Richard B. Rhoades of Strattanville, and Woodrow G. Rhoades of Elkridge, Maryland.

She is also survived by a sister, Frances Merryman of Virginia, and several nieces and nephews who will miss her as much as her immediate family does.

Virginia was a grandmother to 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love of her life. She always enjoyed their visits and all her hugs and kisses. She felt blessed to have them all. She will be deeply missed by families and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard S. Rhoades; three brothers, Dale Gross, Harlan Gross, Richard Gross; and two sisters, Marjorie McElhatten and Jacqueline Theiss; a daughter-in-law, Stephanie Rhoades; and a great granddaughter, Makayla Rhoades.

Family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2014, at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2014, at the Strattanville United Methodist Church, 421 Washington Street, Strattanville.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2014, at the Strattanville United Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy Zahn, pastor of the Strattanville United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will be held in the Strattanville Cemetery.

Memorials and donations can be made to the Strattanville United Methodist Church, 421 Washington Street, Strattanville PA 16258; or to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago IL 60601.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.