Geraldine L. (Jones) Rhodes

MILTON - Geraldine L. (Jones) Rhodes, 83, died Saturday, February 22, 2014 at The Williamsport Home. She was affectionately known as Gerry and by her childhood nickname “Cricket”. She was born on August 24, 1930 in Washington Township, Lycoming County and was the daughter of the late John W. and Dorothy (Yeagle) Jones. Geraldine married the late Thomas H. Rhodes, Jr. on August 28, 1946 and they celebrated 46 years of marriage together until his death on December 25, 1992. Together they lived in Milton for 46 years. She was employed by Montgomery Mills in her younger years, then went on to retire after 28 years in 1993 from American Home Foods, where she was very proud of her service as a chief union steward. Geraldine was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Milton where she was a nursery school teacher. She also sang in the choir and participated in Helping Hands. Geraldine was a past member of the Milton Junior Women’s Club and the Lycoming Chapter of DAR. Her passions in life include spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, cooking, playing her keyboard, singing, watching the Phillies baseball team on TV and following politics. While living at Rockwell, she could often be found in the kitchen, making her famous beans, vegetable soup and shoo-fly cake, which she generously shared with the residents there. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Thomas H. and Teresa Rhodes of Milton; one daughter and son-in-law, Susan R. and John Tonzetich of Lewisburg; five grandchildren, Matthew and his wife Rebecca Rhodes of Milton, Eric and wife Mandy Rhodes of Watsontown, Sarah Rhodes of Milton, Zachary Tonzetich and wife Naomi Sayre of Texas and Nicholas and wife Laura Tonzetich of New Jersey; eight great grandchildren: Morgan, Ethan, Cole and Ava Rhodes, Shadae Familia-Rhodes, Violet, Lily and Roger Tonzetich; and several nieces and nephews: Rebecca and David Hontz, James and Sue Garthwaite, William Schultz and Jeorge Carias, Janet and Duglas Dunlop and John and Sally Schultz. In addition to her parents and husband Thomas Geraldine was preceded in death by two sisters; Doris Garthwaite and Marion (Straussner) Muffly. Now the three Jones girls are harmonizing “Sentimental Journey” in heaven together. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 18 Center Street, Milton PA 17847 or to a children’s charity of the donor’s choice. Burial will take place in Harmony Cemetery, Milton at the convenience of the family. A memorial service is planned for 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 08, 2014 at Bethany United Methodist Church, Milton with Pastor Damien Brooks officiating. Arrangements are being handled by The Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service, 125 N. Front Street, Milton, PA 17847.