Bernice K. Rhoden (Bonnie), 76, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away peacefully Sunday, May 31, 2020. Born April 13, 1944 in Valparaiso, Indiana. Bonnie spent some of her most cherished childhood years on the family farm enjoying what she referred to as the simple life. However, in search of a better life “out west”, Bonnie and her family settled in Phoenix in 1951. Shortly after, a neighbor friend invited Bonnie to attend church and it is there, at the age of 13, Bonnie met the love of her life, Jim. Jim and Bonnie spent years “going steady” while actively involved in youth group activities at Mountain View Church of Christ, where they met many lifelong friends. As high school sweethearts, both Jim and Bonnie experienced many adventures together. Whether it was watching Jim play ball, or getting caught “parked” in Barry Goldwater’s driveway, the two of them held a beautiful bond that entered into marriage on June 7, 1963. As mom would say, “they were as poor as church mice”, but she worked hard at Motorola while putting Jim through school.
In 1966, they celebrated the birth of their daughter Kathy Sue, and later celebrated in 1969 the birth of their daughter Kimberly Kay. Bonnie’s desire was to be a traditional housewife and to care for both of her daughters, which she did with an open heart. Bonnie was always the homeroom mother, belonged to the PTO and was a member of the Orangewood Athletic Association, where she helped organize steak fries at North Mountain park. Bonnie spent many years at the ballpark, on the soccer field, at dance recitals and in the gym supporting both of her girls. Everyone knew when Mrs. Rhoden was there because she often cheered the loudest and once in a while gave the umpire or referee a piece of her mind. Bonnie was later blessed with 7 grandchildren to which she devoted her life to being Nana. She helped raise all 7, and then some, because she became Nana or Mom to anyone in need. Bonnie spent most of her life serving others because she always said that is what God would want her to do. Her wish was always to be surrounded by family, for everyone to get along, and to always do what is right. She has touched so many lives in her short 76 years and she will continue to touch the lives of others with the values that she has bestowed upon her family. She is, and always will be, missed by all who knew her.
Bonnie is survived by her two daughters, Kathy Wilson (Scott), Kim Pharr (Richard), seven grandchildren, Ashley (Hayden), Tim (Shelby), Kailey, James, Alex, Daniel and Nico. She is also survived by her honorary son, Cary Clemmer (Monica) and honorary grandson, Shawn. In addition, she is survived by her sister Pat Kurce, brothers Casey Poplawski and Robert Poplawski, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband James Rhoden and her parents Casimir Joseph Poplawski, Sr. and Bernice Mildred Poplawski (Osenga). Forever in our hearts.
Services will be live streamed on Facebook - please go to Kathy Sue Rhoden Facebook page.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18