Beloved Jeromesville Matriarch Mary Rhoads Passes at 93, Leaving Legacy

Ashland, Ohio, USA - Mary E. Rhoads, a cherished member of the Jeromesville community, passed away on June 8, 2025, at the age of 93. Surrounded by family at her residence, Mary left behind a rich legacy that touched the lives of many. Born on August 22, 1931, to Clare and Ida (Morr) Swineford, she grew to be a lifelong resident of Ashland County, graduating from Ashland High School in 1950. Her roots in the community were deep, and her contributions too numerous to measure.

Mary’s professional journey included work at J.J. Newberry Store and the Farmers Production Credit Association, but she is perhaps best known for her role in food service with Ashland City Schools. After retiring as a cashier at Edison Elementary, she dedicated her time to her family, assisting her husband, Joe W. Rhoads, with farm work. She drove tractors, tended to livestock, and preserved the fruits of their labor while raising six children, teaching them essential skills like sewing as a 4-H advisor.

Community and Family

For over 80 years, Mary was an active and dedicated member of Trinity Country Church. There she taught Sunday School and immersed herself in various church activities. Married on October 11, 1953, to Joe, who preceded her in death in 2017, Mary leaves behind six loving children: Linda (Robert) Wiley, Carol (Brant) Kinney, Deborah (Kevin) McMasters, Bonnie (Robert) Stevens, Betty (Richard) Martin, and Robert (Krista) Rhoads. The family’s bond was further enriched by the love of thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, with another on the way.

In the grand tapestry of her life, Mary is also survived by two sisters and a brother—Joan Allen, Bernice (Dwight) Morr, and Charles William Swineford. But like many, she faced loss, having been preceded in death by her granddaughter Amanda Wheaton, a sister, and three brothers.

Remembering Mary Rhoads

Mary’s funeral services are scheduled for June 17, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Trinity Country Church in Ashland, Ohio, officiated by Pastor James Scott. Family visitation will take place the day before, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Heyl Funeral Home. Following the services, she will be laid to rest at the Trinity Country Church Cemetery. The family has expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and all caregivers for their compassionate support during this time.

In remembering Mary E. Rhoads, we honor not only her life but also the spirit of community she embodied. For those wishing to express their condolences, memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Country Church, Gentiva Hospice, or a charity of one’s choice. As her legacy continues, let us celebrate a life well-lived, reflecting the values she instilled in her family and friends.

For further information, local obituary resources can be found through a variety of channels, including the Newspaper Obituaries, which list several platforms to explore obituaries across Ohio. The Ashland Public Library also offers genealogy and local history assistance, catering to those interested in delving deeper into such cherished memories. Whether you’re searching for family history or broader community updates, the Ashland Library remains a valuable resource.

As we reflect on Mary’s life, let’s not forget the important role of community connections, whether through the church, local schools, or our treasured libraries. After all, there’s always something to be said for the legacies woven into the very fabric of our lives.