Anna Naomi Rhoads

Anna "Naomi" Rhoads, 87, of Mountville slipped from this life into the presence of Jesus on April 26. Naomi was born in Mount Joy, PA, and was the daughter of the late John Doutrich and Anna Shelly Oberholtzer and was happily married to J. Marlin Rhoads for 64 years, before his passing on August 3, 2011. Since his death, Naomi was lovingly cared for in her own home by her grandson Jeff and his wife Katie. She was a faithful and beloved member of Hempfield Brethren in Christ Church where she taught Sunday School and Children's Church. Naomi graduated from East Donegal High School in 1942 and enjoyed many reunions with her former classmates; but most of all, she loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was happiest when she was doing something special for her family. Naomi also welcomed many children into her home as a daycare provider for many decades. Her home was always open to anyone needing a meal, a friend, or just a listening ear. Her kitchen was the central hub of her home, and you would often find her canning, freezing, or baking goodies for her family. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Phipps, in 1999. She was also predeceased by her brothers Ralph, John, Kermit, Harry, and Wilmer, and sisters, Mary and Ruth Elizabeth. Surviving are three daughters, Janet (Harry) Perkins, Linda (Steven) McLain, and Lois (Robert) Murr, a son-in-law Grayson (Sandy) Phipps, nine grandchildren, Daryl (Angie) Phipps, Karen Perkins, Anita (Jason) Witmer, Crystal (Travis) Harvey, Lorinda (James) Marland, Jeff (Katie) McLain, Janelle (Adam) Sensenig, Collin Murr, and Derek Murr, 10 great-grandchildren, Emily, Kayden, Charity, Justin, Jordan, Adam, Jeremiah, Karlee, Naomi, and Autumn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service at Hempfield Brethren In Christ Church, 2600 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bob Murr and Pastor Greg Taylor officiating. Interment in East Petersburg Mennonite Cemetery. There will be a public viewing at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim on Sunday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again at the church on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Those desiring may send contributions in Naomi's memory to Hempfield Brethren In Christ Church, 2600 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601.