Burnice D. Rhodes, born February 24, 1918, to Lee Earny and Grace Ehn (Neithercutt) Jones in Helena, Mont. passed away March 29, 2008 in Carson City. She married Edwin W. "Pappy" Rhodes March 21, 1936, in Las Vegas.
Burnice met Edwin while living with her family in Boulder City during construction of Boulder Dam. Edwin, her father and other family members worked at the dam site. When construction was nearing its end, they migrated north looking for work. Burnice and Edwin traveled back to Las Vegas to marry and then made their home in Reno where Virginia and Karen were born.
They followed construction work during the War and then bought their home on Airport Road in Carson City in 1945. Paul was born in Carson City in 1951. Burnice worked in the cafeteria in the grammar school on Division and King, and later at the High School. They owned and operated several businesses including Rhodes' Laundromat and Diaper Service, Rhodes' Cabinet Shop and Sierra Sharpening Service. They had two stints in Okinawa working construction. EW passed away in 1992 and Burnice moved to an apartment on 5th Street in 1996.
She is survived by three children, Virginia White and husband Norman of Minden, Karen Bowman and husband Bob of Dayton, Paul Rhodes and wife Charlene of Spanish Springs; ten grandchildren, Sam White and wife Laura of Spanish Springs, Maurice White of Carson City, Dennis White of Sparks, Henry White and wife Paige of Georgetown, Calif., Shane Bowman and wife Linda of Dayton, Kellie Bowman of Carson City, Mark Bowman and wife Wendy of Sparks, Nancy Bowman of Carson City, Antreka Gunkle and husband Cory of Pearl City, Hawaii, Clinton Rhodes and wife Natasha of Minot AFB, N.D.; 18 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
Services are pending. Her children hosted a 90th birthday party in February. She enjoyed seeing her family and the many pictures on display. She loved to listen to music played by family members and joined in the singing of the old ballads. Yes, Burnice attended her own memorial!
She is now with Edwin once again, and her Mamma and Pop and playing the ukulele with brother Albert.
A simple gravesite service will be held later this spring. FitzHenry's Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements.