Vivian Rhodes

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Sharon "Vivian" Rhodes, 83, of Advance passed away Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born April 3, 1938, in Stoddard County, Missouri, the daughter of Leeman and Lyla Baker Shell. Vivian and Kenneth Rhodes were united in marriage on Oct. 13, 1957, and he preceded her in death Nov. 30, 2014.

Vivian believed in the Baptist faith. She loved her family with all of her heart, and fewer things made her happier than cooking for them. Everyone in the family agreed that no one could make fried chicken like Vivian could. She spent many years farming right alongside her husband, Kenny. She would often tell people she was not just married to a farmer, she WAS a farmer.

Survivors include a daughter, Kim (Terry) Gerlach of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Scott (Cheryl) Rhodes and Bradley (Bev) Rhodes, both of Advance; three sisters, Carol (Carl) Ritter and Sandy Long, both of Advance, and Charlotte (Larry) Woodard of Union, Missouri; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers, Don Shell and Ralph Shell.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance.

A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. with the Rev. T.J. Null officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Kenny Rogers Children's Center.