Ralph Rhodes

Ralph James "Choppy" Rhodes, of Liberty, MO, passed away peacefully with family at his side on October 30, 2011. He was 92 years old. Choppy was born on May 22, 1919, to Robert Lee and Anna Mae Rhodes in La Junta, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Lee Rhodes, and his brothers, Robert Lee Rhodes and Glenn W. Rhodes. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Hazel Margaret Rhodes, of the home. He is also survived by his son, Dr. R. James Rhodes and wife, Judith, of Branson, MO, and Pittsburg, KS; his daughter, Linda S. Baker, of Liberty. He leaves eight grandchildren: Michele and Steve Benner, Shannon and Todd Watson, Dr. Joel and Jeanie Rhodes, Patrick and Sara Rhodes, Amy and Tim Burke, Katie Rhodes, Bradley Rhodes and Michael and Natasha Rhodes. He was very proud of and dearly loved his 19 great- grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. Choppy was plant manager of Wallace Mfg. Co. in North Kansas City, MO. When it became a division of Cook Paint, he moved to Pittsburg, Kansas. He lived in Pittsburg for many years and had many friends there. He was a member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce and Crestwood Country Club, as well as being a Mirza Shriner. In 1969, Choppy and his brother, Bob, built, owned and operated the Kearney Truck Plaza in Kearney, MO. He owned it until he retired. He was a member of Liberty Hills Country Club where he was an avid golfer. Choppy was a Merchant Marine in WWII. He was a member of the Ararat Shrine, and he was on the Board of Directors at Kearney Trust Company for 30 years. Memorial service is 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at Mt. Moriah Terrace Park. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 2001 S.Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131. Condolences to www.mountmoriahterracepark.com..Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home; 801 N.W.108th Street; Kansas City, MO. (816) 734-5500

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