Virginia Rhoades Obituary

Virginia "Ginny" Rhoades (Wells) passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was 100 years old. Born on August 18, 1925, Ginny spent nearly her entire life in her beloved Nedrow, New York where she built a century of memories filled with family, community, and joy. A lifelong gardener, Ginny found happiness among her plants and flowers and was still proudly mowing her own lawn into her 90's. Over the years, she walked often in the YMCA's Folkmarch program, served lunches at the Onondaga Senior Center and supported the Nedrow Fire Department through the Women's Auxiliary. After retiring from The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, she continued giving back by working at the local voting polls during elections. Known for her hand-knitted mittens and hats and her love of decorating for every holiday, Ginny brought warmth and care to everyone around her. Her outlook on life was simple but lasting: get outside every day, stay positive, and enjoy a glass of wine after dinner.

She is predeceased by her parents Eva and Arthur Wells and husband Frederick S. Rhoades, with whom she shared 31 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her sisters Louise McCausland, Lorraine Elbrecht, Marjorie Tracy, Mary Lou Schmelzer and by her brothers Arthur Wells, Wesley Wells, and half-brother Alfred Wells.

In addition to many nieces and nephews, she is survived by her daughters Ginny (Elwin) Yerdon of Liverpool, NY; Linda (Gordon) McCaffer of Marcellus, NY; Robin (Brian) Shaunessy of Durham, NC and stepson Frederick (Nanci) Rhoades of Solvay, NY She also leaves behind grandchildren Michael (Adrienne Imbriaco) Yerdon of South Orange, NJ; Scott (Annette Mazevski) Yerdon of Maplewood, NJ; Matthew (Devon Brown) McCaffer of Skokie, IL; Margaret (Antun) Youssef of Cary, NC; Thomas (Alyssa) Loughlin of Lakewood, CO and her great-grandchildren Marlowe, Archer, Elena and Mila Yerdon of New Jersey who will forever cherish her humor and generosity.

The family would like to thank the nurses, aides, staff, physical therapists, Rev. Candance Lawrence and Becky Voss at St. Camillus for their love, support and compassion during her stay.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Ginny's remarkable century on November 1 at Butler-Badman Funeral Home, 4504W. Seneca Turnpike. Calling hours at 11 am followed by a service at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Camillus, 813 Fay Rd, Syracuse, NY 13219 (Ginny Rhoades Memorial Bench Fund)