Marcia “Mickey” Rhoads, 77

A casual celebration of life and dessert party for Marcia "Mickey" Rhoads, 77, of Gainesville, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the family residence, 190 Main Street in Gainesville (the former Church of Christ building). Those attending are asked to “come as you are” and bring a sweet treat to share. 

Mickey died surrounded by her loving children on Oct. 18, at Gainesville Healthcare Center after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia.

She was born Sept. 10, 1947, in Harper, Kansas, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Leo Berg. She graduated Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1965, then obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Kansas in 1970 before beginning her nursing career in labor and delivery, which remained her passion for well over 40 years. She followed in her mother's footsteps when she decided to become a nurse and inspired her daughter to become a third-generation RN. She was a brilliant mentor to many and served countless families with her gentle hands and heart.

Mickey married Jimmy Ronald Rhoads in 1972, to whom she would stay married until his death in 2009. They had two children: daughter Kalynn and son Steven. Mickey adored her children and together she and Jim raised them well.

She loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending as much time as she could with them. Her “fur babies” were her family too, especially LaChina, Fiona and Ginger. She adored and spoiled them all. Though she enjoyed reading, playing games, tending her flower gardens, cooking, baking and crafting, Mickey's favorite role was that of a grandmother. She treasured her time with her grandson and loved being his Nana. Some favorite memories include cinnamon sugar toast mornings, reading books, building a myriad of things out of cardboard boxes and going to the park and library together. She always encouraged and nurtured his robust imagination and his love of reading. She was so proud of him.

Mickey will always be remembered for her kindness, her brilliance and her "by-the-book" way of doing things. She will be deeply missed by many. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff of both Gainesville Healthcare Center and Compassus Hospice for their loving care of Mickey during the last months of her life. All were a blessing to her and the family and they are so grateful.

She is survived by her daughter Kalynn Rhoads; her son Steven Rhoads; her grandson Drake Rhoads, all of Gainesville; her sister and brother-in-law Mary and David Helman, of Fairfax, Virginia; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones.

She was preceded in death by one stillborn child; her husband; both parents; her brother and sister-in law Dr. James and Sarah Berg; and one nephew, Andrew Helman. 

Cremation services are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.