Altus Harpe Rhodes

Altus Harpe Rhodes, 88, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at her daughters home.  Funeral services are 2pm Sunday, November 3, 2019, at Lodebar United Methodist Church with visitation starting at 12 Noon.  Burial will follow in Lodebar UMC Cemetery.

Altus Maurine was a life-long resident of Pelahatchie, MS, and member of Lodebar United Methodist Church. She was graduated from Crossroads High School where she loved her class of twelve friends and playing girls’ basketball. She hitch-hiked to Draughn’s Business School and studied at night by the light of a coal oil lamp. Though her lifetime career was being a wife and mother, Altus worked at Standard Oil Company, Murray Law Firm, Illinois Central Railroad, and in her late fifties, was the Pelahatchie Public Librarian.

Gal or Galdy, as she was known by most folks, was a free spirit who loved the outdoors, animals, gardening, music, and children. Altus and Lamar made a life and home together which honored God and where people loved to be, especially their five grandchildren. From zip lines and trampolines to ponies and swimming in the pond or pool, from a barn loft playhouse to even picking butter beans — Gal and Lamar made everything seem fun!

Altus’ indomitable spirit helped her live a most healthy life and survive such difficulties as having a tree limb fall on her! That same “grit” carried her through the struggle with Alzheimer’s, for she knew that, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”  (Philippians 4:13)

Survivors include her son, James L. “Jim” Rhodes, Jr. ; daughter, Judy Rhodes (& John) Davis; grandchildren, Courtney Rhodes, John Kyle Davis, Gatlin Rhodes, Ken Harpe Davis and Leah Davis; sisters, Mary Kate “Tissie” Knight and Helen V. “Tootie” Lawrence.  She is preceded in death by her husband, James Lamar Rhodes, Sr.; parents, Eulyce Harpe and Pear Martin Harpe; sister, Bobbie Sybil Boone; brothers, A.C. “Doogie” Harpe and Jack W. “Man” Harpe.

Memorials may be made to the Lodebar Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 844, Pelahatchie, MS 39145.