Michelle D. Rhoads

MICHELLE D. RHOADS

Michelle Diane (Zurbuchen) Rhoads, 43, of Gower, Mo., passed away June 22, 2005 at her home.

Michelle Diane (Zurbuchen) Rhoads was born on September 6, 1961 in North Kansas City, Mo. She was the daughter of Rudy and Louise (Kennedy) Zurbuchen. Michelle attended Kansas City Christian High School and Smithville High School and graduated from Missouri Western State College. Rudy preceded her in death.

On October 10, 1992 she was united in marriage to Gary Wayne Rhoads in Gardner Kansas. In 1997 they bought the family business, Bee-Jay Catfish Bait Company, and moved to rural Gower where they made their home. To this union four daughters were born, Ashley, Madelynn, Shelby and Zoe.

Michelle became involved in the school as a volunteer and elementary teacher at East Buchanan. She was very involved in MOPS at the Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Joseph. Michelle spent the last year and a half dedicating her life to Christ and leading her children to salvation as a member of the First Baptist Church of Gower. She was a dedicated servant of family, community and church.

Michelle worked as a successful merchandiser at J.C. Penney, and a business partner with her husband.

She is survived by her husband, Gary, daughters, Ashley, Madelynn, Shelby and Zoe, all of the home, her mother, Louise, Gower, Mo., sisters, Jan Jobe and husband, Fred, Kansas City, and Deanna Wolff and husband, Scott, Gower, Mo., step-sons, Skyler Rhoads and wife Adrian, Marshall Rhoads, step-daughter, Anna Rhoads and step-grandson, London, all of Wichita, Ks., five nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Gower at 1:00 P.M., Sunday June 26th. The body has been cremated. Memorials are suggested to the Rhoads Family Endowment Fund at the Bank of Gower or to the American Cancer Society.

Michelle is a dedicated Christian.