Melba Rhodes

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, Melba LaVerne Rhodes, loving wife, mother, and Grandmother passed away at the age of 71. She graduated from Abilene High School and went on to become an exceptional cosmetologist. She married James R. Rhodes on July 5, 1973, and they had one daughter, Leia. Laverne was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara McCown and her mother, Mina Jerden. She is survived by her husband, James Rhodes; her daughter, Leia and son in law Jeffrey Magouirk and her three grandchildren: Devon, Alicia, and Elizabeth. She is also survived by her four sisters, Janet Brooks, Linda Nuckols, Karon Wells and Susie Jerden and several nieces and nephews. LaVerne was extraordinary lady; she gave life zest, flavor, beauty, and love. She was remarkable - in every sense the of the word. She was a published poet and a vivacious reader on just about every subject. LaVerne was a fantastic artist and crafter and could make you anything, rewire your house, and put in a fireplace in your home. However, it was her family that was most important to her than anything in the world. They were her reason for enjoying life. She was a confident woman, who was not afraid to speak her mind. She taught people around her how to have common sense, empathy, and compassion for the little things. She is a woman with enough empathy and sympathy for a country. As a true perfectionist at heart, she never settled for anything less than perfect; never quitting until she was satisfied with her craft. She loved animals, especially dogs. She cared for all of them better than an average person treats a fellow human being. She will be missed.