She was born on October 22, 1924 in Franklin, Indiana, a daughter of the late Jacob and Mabel (Batton) Long.

Susan was a 1942 graduate of New Castle High School. She married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Meril Gene Rhoades, on November 26, 1943 and together they enjoyed 65 years of marriage until his passing in 2008. Susan was a bank teller for many years at First National Bank. She was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church where she had served as a Trustee, President of CWF, and a leader of the Bykota Class.

Those left to cherish Susan’s memory include her children, Josandra “Josie” Barger of Spencer, Indiana, Gene J. “Jerry” (Jacqueline) Rhoades of Batavia, Ohio, and Robert A. “Bob” (Janet) Rhoades of John’s Creek, Ga; a daughter-in-law, Rhonda Thrailkill of Marietta, Georgia; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Meril Gene Rhoades; a daughter and son-in-law, Cathleen and Michael Zervas; a son-in-law, R.B. “Bill” Barger.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Sproles Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Green Hills Memory Gardens.

Friends may call from 12:00 pm until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Henry County Community
Foundation, or New Castle Henry County Public Library.

You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.

The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Susan Rhoades.