Marie Joyce Rhodes

Marie Joyce Rhodes, age 74, died on Saturday, August 1, 2020. She was born on December 27, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in the South City area of St. Louis and attended Cleveland High School. Her first job was working in her father’s drug store. While visiting a friend in Beaufort, South Carolina, Marie met the love of her life – a handsome Marine named Richard Eugene Rhodes. The beautiful couple married soon after, had two children and remained in Beaufort until moving to Cedar Hill, Missouri in 1973. Marie worked several part time positions to help support her family. For a number of years she owned and operated a small, but popular restaurant in Cedar Hill called Cimo’s Pizza. She proudly served as treasurer at Public Water Supply District #8 for over 30 years. Marie loved gardening, cooking, thrift-shopping, playing cards, Dominoes and Bingo. She was a news junkie, and could tell you what politician did this or that -- and how much that cost the American tax-payers! She loved animals, and she ensured the birds of Cedar Hill were fed, fat and happy. Hummingbirds nearly ate out of her hands! Marie valued working hard, living modestly and doing the right thing. She was a saver and a planner. She was generous. She treasured time with family and friends. Marie loved to laugh, and she was the life of every party. She loved to tell stories and embellished them with each new telling. She took the time to write heartfelt thank yous to friends, family, care givers and others who helped her along the way. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, neighbor and friend. She was dearly loved, and she will be missed. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard E. Rhodes, parents Alexander and Charlotte Belko, her sister, Nina Loethen and brother, Alexander “Butch” Belko. She is survived by her children, Cynthia Miller (and Phillip) and Richard E. Rhodes, Jr. and her granddaughters, Courtney Rhodes, Rachael Miller and Olivia Miller, and sister-in-law Ronnie Belko. Her children would like to thank the loving circle of friends and family who faithfully called, visited and helped to watch over their mother – Sylvia and Kathy Mester, Lois Vukosich, Vicky Crist, Annette Bonackar, Kathy Voyles and Myra Boenker. The family has planned a small private memorial service. Memorial contributions are welcome. Please send to Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Donations may be made online at www.odas.org, or by mail – Open Door Animal Sanctuary – Development; 6065 Duda Road, House Springs, MO 63051.

Marie Joyce Rhodes

December 25, 1945 - August 1, 2020