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Erma Rhodes Erma Rhodes
In Memory of
Erma J.
Rhodes (Smith)
1944 - 2017
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Obituary for Erma J. Rhodes (Smith)

Erma Smith Rhodes passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, after a brief illness caused by CJD. She was born March 14, 1944, the ninth of eleven children to the late Elmer C. and Freda Ziegler Smith.

She was a 1962 graduate of Strong Vincent High School and attended Penn State Behrend. She also studied Union Labor & Contract Negotiations at the George Meany Institute-National Labor College. Erma was a member of Mensa.

Erma retired as Business Agent for SEIU Local 668 and previously was employed by PA Department of Labor & Industry. She loved playing cards, music, Broadway shows, and especially traveling with her sisters, who affectionately called her "the Cruise Director." She freely gave her love and support to so many people and brightened the world with her laughter.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Millie Bretl, Ellen Schultz, Peggy Martin, and Remle Smith.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Donald R. Rhodes, Sr.; three sons, Donnie (Lydia) Rhodes of Erie, David Rhodes of Erie, and Robert Rhodes of London, England; her sisters, Ruth Schmidt, Lorre Rapp, Julie Celeski (Ron), and Kathy Koziol (Jerry); and her brothers John (Loretta) Smith and Elmer (Pat) Smith. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Road, on Monday, September 25, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service there at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Dr. Richard McCarty officiating. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Great Lakes Home Health Care and Hospice, 1700 Peach St Ste 244, Erie, PA 16501; the Erie Soldiers and Sailors Home Activities Fund, 560 E 3rd St, Erie, PA 16507; or the Emmaus Soup Kitchen, 218 E 11th St, Erie, PA 16503.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Erma J. Rhodes (Smith), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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