Ruth Marie Rhodes, 87, formerly of Jackson, died Jan. 13, 2026, at Hillcrest Care Center in De Soto. Mrs. Rhodes was a 1956 Hillsboro High School graduate. In 1960, she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University and, in 1967, a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri. She taught elementary school for 39 years, primarily at Cape Girardeau Public Schools. Throughout her teaching career, she was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, holding offices and serving on committees. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, where she had many friendships and remained active in various ministries until her health declined. Born Sept. 30, 1938, in Pevely, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Ludwig and Ruth C. Mangelsdorf Linhorst.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years: James “Jim” K. Rhodes, whom she married on Aug. 19, 1961, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Imperial.
She is survived by her nephews and nieces: Larry (Peggy) Linhorst of Hillsboro, Don (Ann) Linhorst of Glen Carbon, Ill., Mark (Cathy) Linhorst of Festus and Susan (Anthony) Clark of St. Louis County; and her great-nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by a niece: Carol Linhorst; and three siblings: Melvin (Ruth) Linhorst, Orville Linhorst and Kenneth (Doris) Linhorst.
A memorial visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 223 W. Adams St., in Jackson, 63755, officiated by the Rev. Joshua Schmidt. Interment took place privately in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. Arrangements are under the direction of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.