Arletta Mae Neher Rhodes

          WALHALLA, SC - Arletta Mae Neher Rhodes died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, after an illness.  She was born in Dickinson County, Kansas, and was married to Elliott Richard “Dick” Rhodes Jr. for 49 years until his passing in 2006. Together they had three children: Rodney R. Rhodes, Michael S. Rhodes (d. 1998) and Christina R. Talley. Arletta is survived by her children Rodney and Christina, son-in-law Raymond, 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

          As a young mother, Arletta was present in her children’s lives, serving as a ‘den mother’, PTA president, and traditional homemaker. She cooked meals for her family, sewed their own clothes, cut and styled their hair, kept her house clean on a schedule, and baked homemade cakes for birthdays and holidays. She was a loving wife and mother whose dedication to her family will be remembered.

         By trade Arletta was a beautician. She spent many years working in a convalescent home, styling the residents’ hair and painting their nails. This outward expression of their improvement aided the residents in their recovery by giving them confidence and a sense of empowerment.

         Whether by profession or hobby, Arletta’s true passion was beauty. In her spare time she loved painting and sewing. She taught herself how to crochet and produced many beautiful tablecloths and dolls. Later in life, she taught herself how to hand carve beautiful scenes into wood. Perhaps her most notable works of art are the hand carved mantle that sits above the fireplace in her daughter and son-in-law's home and her daughter's wedding dress, which she designed herself.

         Later in life, Arletta started a coloring group at Leatherman Senior Center in Florence. She was loved among her friends because she was great at finding ways to serve in her community. She is remembered by her grandchildren for taking a keen interest in their lives. She asked thought-provoking questions and was always eager to hear any story they wanted to tell about their lives, no matter how mundane or exciting. Her selfless nature and heartfelt smile shined the love of God to those fortunate enough to have known her, and we are glad to know we will be reunited in heaven one day.

         A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2024, at Flat Shoals Baptist Church in Walhalla, SC.  A graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 15, 2024, at Florence Memorial Gardens, Florence, SC, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home. 

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