Joan Rhoades Obituary

Joan M. Rhoades 98, of Galesburg, passed away on Wednesday February 12, 2025 at Allure of Lake Storey in Galesburg, IL. Joan was born on March 15, 1926 in London, England. She was the daughter of Alfred and Florence (Durrant) Eglington. Surviving Joan are her two children; Alan (Judith) Rhoades and Evelyn Rhoades Nelson of Galesburg, five grandchildren; Dustin (Erin "Bryn") Rhoades of Richwood TX, Catherine (Jason Cameron) Davis of Oquawka, Andy (Becky Mowers) Nelson of Galesburg, Jeffrey Nelson of Tangonoxie KS, and Tiffany (Michael) Nelson Morland of Anna TX, eleven great-grandchildren; Brennan (Ashleigh) Plue of Bettendorf IA, Hannah and Madison Morland of Anna TX, Emily Davis of Galesburg, Brooklyn Rhoades of Clute TX, Eliott and Miles Nelson of Bashor KS, Nicholas Rhoades of Richwood TX, Abigail and Noah Nelson of Galesburg and Austin (Aira) Johnson of Houston TX, and two great-great grandchildren; Tyler Johnson of Houston TX, and Brayleigh Plue of Bettendorf IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Howard "Dusty" Rhoades, two siblings; Allen and Leslie Eglington, and one great- grandchild; Tyler Rhoades of Clute TX. Joan's family moved from war-torn London to Norwich, England where she worked at the railroad ticket window at the local train station. At the end of World War II she traveled to the United States, settling in Galesburg, IL and went on to marry Howard Rhoades on November 22, 1946. Together they raised two children and were later gifted with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Joan worked as a teacher's aide at Allen Park Grade School for several years, then went on to work for several local businesses. In 1960, she became a US citizen, for which she was very proud, then later in life became a member of the Wataga Congregational Church in Wataga IL. Cremation rights have been accorded. A graveside service will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg, IL later this spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for gifting at a later date. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville are assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
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