It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Rebecca Jane Rhoden, born on June 4, 1942, in Springfield, Missouri, to Walter “Tiny” Eugene and Lois Marguerite (Blankenship) Parker. She grew up in the Springfield area with her sister Patricia and her brother Gene. Rebecca graduated from Missouri State University with her bachelor’s degree in education. Later, she became a mother to Lisa and Greg. She loved her children, wanting them to have the very best. Rebecca worked alongside her father at Mid-American Life Insurance Company and Mid-American Century Life as a board member and eventually as Vice President for nearly 40 years. She also helped with his many restaurants, Tiny’s Smoke House and Tiny’s Steak House. She was united in marriage with Kenneth “Kay” Wayne Rhoden. They shared many adventures over the years traveling around the world. They also owned and operated Business Graphics and Office Supply in Springfield, Missouri before his passing on February 27, 1982. After his untimely death she took the reins as owner and operator. A woman of great strength and intelligence, Rebecca paved her way through life with grace and kindness. She spent years hosting and coordinating events and fundraisers with her husband for The Shriners and for The Shriners Hospital For Children. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rebecca had a deep love for the arts. She was a passionate ballroom dancer, loved arts and crafts, playing the piano, and even aviation, and would co-pilot with her husband all over the country. She was always keen to learn new things. She shared her heart through poetry, which led her to become a distinguished member of the International Poets Society. Her passion for creativity and knowledge was unmatched.

She was met in heaven by her parents, Walter and Lois; husband, Kenneth; brother Gene, great-grandmother, Mabel Blankenship, brother-in-law, Lester Bennett and her many aunts and uncles. Rebecca’s memory will forever be cherished by her surviving relatives, including her daughter and her husband, Lisa and David Boyd. Her son and his spouse, Greg Rhoden and Sharon Letson, as well as her granddaughter, Analuisa Boyd. Rebecca’s children’s father and his wife, Leon and Judy Procter, her sister, Patricia Bennett and her sons Mike and Brad Bennett and their families, Carol, Wesley, Jeff and Scott Parker and Joe and Roberta Schadeberg.

Please join in fellowship to celebrate Rebecca’s life at Greenlawn Funeral Home North on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 10:00 am, followed by a graveside service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Jacob’s Ladder Care: jacobsladdercare.org

Rebecca’s spirit will continue to inspire those who had the fortune of knowing her. Let us gather to honor her legacy and the love she shared with all who crossed her path. May she rest in peace, knowing she brought light and compassion to the world. Condolences and fond memories may be left at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com