Susan Rhoades
Obituary
Susan Marie (Schmidt) Rhoades was
called home to Jesus on Saturday (Feb. 16, 2019). Susan was born on
July 23, 1937, in Newton, to Mariam (Penner) and Dr. Herbert Schmidt.
Following graduation from Newton High
School in 1955, Susan attended Emporia State University, where she
received a BS degree in laboratory science. While at Emporia State,
she was the president of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau. She met her
husband, Keith Rhoades, at Emporia State, and they married on Jan.
30, 1960.
Susan worked in the medical field in a
number of roles. She held several positions as a medical lab
technologist at Glockner Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs,
Colorado, the student health clinic at Kansas State University and
Bethel Clinic and the Medical Arts practice in Newton. She also
worked in the public relations department at Kidron Bethel.
Susan had a heart for service. She was
a member of many boards, including Health Ministries, Bethel College
and the Harvey County Historical Society, and held various positions
at the Bethel College Mennonite Church. Susan volunteered at the
Newton Medical Center, Kauffman Museum, the Et Cetera Shop and Asbury
Park (Greenhouses).
Susan developed a love for travel from
her parents. Her trips included a pilgrimage to India with her
daughter, Stacey, to visit the locations where her missionary
grandfather, P.A. Penner, established churches and a clinic for those
afflicted with leprosy. Susan and Keith traveled to Paraguay on
several occasions to visit her parents. They also made numerous trips
to Europe. Susan traveled with friends to Eastern Europe (formerly
known as Prussia) and spent time in the village of her ancestors. She
also enjoyed family reunions with her Ensz nieces and nephews and
holiday travel with her children and their families.
Susan also enjoyed time with her
friends - whether it was playing bridge or tennis or hosting friends
for an outdoor breakfast in the Flint Hills. She looked forward to
reunions with her sorority sisters. Susan and Keith shared vacations
and many celebrations with a group of families they met through the
church (Karen and Larry Penner, Lois and Orlando Goertzen and Deane
and Marlin Frey). They, affectionately, became known as the Beaver
Bunch.
Susan was preceded in death by her
parents and her older sister, Madalyn (Schmidt) Ensz.
Susan is survived by Keith; and their
three children and two daughters-in-law, Marc (Denise), Eric (Tammy)
and Stacey. Susan is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Joshua
Rhoades (Laura), Justin Rhoades (Ellissa), Tori Rhoades, Lindsay
Christopher (Anthony), Hannah Rhoades, Mollie Rhoades and Wesley
Rhoades; and five great-grandchildren: Genevieve Rhoades, Judah
Rhoades, Elaina Rhoades, Madeleine Rhoades and Rhoades Christopher.
A memorial service will be held at 3:30
p.m. Saturday (Feb. 23, 2019) at Bethel College Mennonite Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be directed to The Harvey County Historical Society
or the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.
