Edvira Rhodes

Edvira A. Rhodes, 82, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at her home.

She was born July 14, 1927, in Kelso, Mo., to Edward Valentine Clara Martin Messmer. She and Francis E. Rhodes were married Nov. 25, 1948, at Kelso.

Vera held her family dear to her heart. She used her many talents though the years as a volunteer at Saint Francis Medical Center, Birthright and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband, Francis E. "Gene" Rhodes; six daughters, Patricia Bratton (Gary Lynch) and Teresa (Jim) Maurer of Cape Girardeau, Carla (Craig) Millham of Jackson, Mary Suzanne (Jim) Vickery of Cape Girardeau, Bonnie (Roger) Poythress and Elaine (Brad) Beussink of Jackson; a brother, Cletus Messmer of Scott City; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a niece, Anne Amelunke; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, two sisters and an infant granddaughter.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Church.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. David Hulshof officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Birthright or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.