Billie J. Rhodes

Rhodes, Billie Jane (nee: Mauldin) of St. Charles, MO, died at home in her sleep on Thursday, November 24, 2016, at the age of 91 after a long battle with cancer.

Born June 11, 1925 in Fort Worth, TX to the late Oscar and Hazel Long Mauldin; devoted mother of Gary (Jim Skofield) Rhodes, Sheila (Terry) Hill, and Mark (Elsie) Rhodes; cherished grandmother of Eliot Starr, Emily (Kyle) Falkenrath, and Sean Rhodes; and dear sister of Peggy Ann Brayley and Mary Louise Cox. Billie is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a group of loving friends who cared for her like a sister. She is also preceded in death by her half-sister, Opal Mauldin Bridges, and her half-brother, Russell Mauldin.

Billie married Keith Rhodes in 1946. As a Navy family, they lived in many places with their three children, eventually settling in the St. Louis area. Although their marriage ended after 34 years, they continued to care for each other, and she was his primary caretaker until he passed away from complications of dementia in 2010.

Billie worked in cardiology at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital and retired in 1984. After retiring, she volunteered there for many years greeting patients and visitors with her beautiful smile. She also started selling Avon products in 1985 and continued until she was almost 90 years old.

She had been an active member of Victory Church in St. Charles. She enjoyed going to church, as well as fishing, but mostly she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her devotion to her family and her steadfast belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior supported her during her struggle and helped bring her strength and peace.

She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.