Ruth V. Rhodes, age 99, of Monroe, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Alice Lorrain Care Center. Ruth was born May 22, 1925 in Tazewell, Tennessee, she was the daughter of Porter and Nellie (Earl) Mink. She married John S. Rhodes in Rossville, Georgia. They were blessed to spend the next 67 years together before John passed June 29, 2013. She and John attended Monroe Missionary Baptist Church.
Immediately following Ruth's high school graduation in 1944, she contributed to the war efforts by working at the Oak Ridge Y-12 nuclear facility as a Calutron Girl. She monitored and operated the calutron to separate uranium isotopes as part of the Manhattan Project. During her time at the Y-12 facility she met John S. Rhodes, who had returned from his World War II military service and immediately fell in love to be married on January 25, 1946.
She is survived by two sons, Michael (Joann) Rhodes of Monroe and Johnny (Linda) Rhodes of Carleton; her grandchildren, Dixie (Mike) Bartee, Trina Rhodes, Dawn (Okie) Spears, Jason Rhodes, and Heather (Nick) Dell; twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents; four siblings, Everett Mink, J.C. Mink, Cora Lou Brown and Billie Hooper; two sons, Kenneth and James Rhodes and one grandson, James Jude (J.J.) Rhodes.
Ruth was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening and playing games with her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, and granny.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, where funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday. Rev. Spencer Snow, associate pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .