Anna M. Rhoades, 85, of Columbia City died at 7:50 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Parkview Randallia, Fort Wayne, where she was admitted on Monday.

She was born December 16, 1935, in Anderson, Indiana, a daughter of the late Samuel C. and Faye L. (Lyst) Dickey.  Growing up in Anderson, she graduated from Anderson High School in 1954.  Continuing her education, she completed Anderson Business College.

On July 6, 1956, she married Donald J. Rhoades.  They made their home in Middletown then moving to Tri-Lakes.  In 1984, the couple moved to Columbia City.  Donald died on July 23, 2006.

She worked for the former William's SuperValu, Columbia City then Dollar General and Village Cleaners.  A member of the Whitley County Historical Society, she was awarded the Thomas R. Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award for her over 40 years of service at the society and museum.

In addition to raising two children and maintaining the home, she enjoyed horseback riding especially her own horse, Bunny.  She liked to shop and was an accomplished seamstress.  When her grandchildren came along, they became her pride and joy.  She became their special caretaker and comforter.

She was a former member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her children, Todd A. (Tamra Bayles) Rhoades of Columbia City and Pamela J. Kethcart of Fort Wayne, grandchildren, Audrey Prince of Fort Wayne, David (Tabitha) Kethcart of South Whitley and Emily (Adam) Weesner of Fort Wayne and five great-grandchildren.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Samuel, John and Lester Dickey.

The funeral is 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the South Park Annex Cemetery.  Visitation is 12 p.m. until the service Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Whitley County Historical Society.

This service will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.