Mary Ellen Rhodd, 89, of White Cloud, died Monday morning, December 7, 2015, at Two Timbers in Highland where she had resided the last year and a half.

She was born at White Cloud, June 6, 1926, the daughter of Claude and Lora May Taylor Penny where she grew up and attended school. Mary Ellen worked at the Mid Central Egg Plant in Hiawatha. She carried the St. Joseph Newspress, mowed the Olive Branch Cemetery, and cleaned the Iowa Tribe Bingo Hall. She was a homemaker, dedicated to taking care of her family.

Mary Ellen was a member of White Cloud Christian Church. Her hobbies included: crocheting, embroidery, piecing quilts, and spending time with family.

She married Vernon Rhodd, Sr., November 3, 1957, at Hiawatha. They lived nearly all of their married life at White Cloud. He died October 1, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother Burl Penny; and a sister Opal Penny Ogden.

Survivors includes five children: Judith Wigle, Debby (David) Waggoner, Penny (Ron) Tilton, all of White Cloud, Geral (Cathy) Blanton of Hiawatha, Vernon (Joni) Rhodd of Rulo, Nebraska; 17 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are planned for 1:30 Friday, December 11, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating. Interment will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, White Cloud.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Thursday where the family will meet that evening from 6 until 7:30.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mary Ellen Rhodd Memorial Fund which may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, 66035.

A special remembrance or story may be made sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com