Dorcas Allegra Rhodes

Dorcas Allegra Hanks Rhodes entered this world on November 19, 1927 and passed to be with her Savior on March 6, 2012, at the age of 84. She is survived by three sisters: Martha (Babe) M. Bowen and husband, Donald of Springfield, Virginia, Joanne Bray and husband, Keith of Collyer, Kansas, Isadora (Dody) Belle Gibbs of Hobbs, NM; sons: Samuel A. Rhodes of Carlsbad, NM, S. David Rhodes of Midland, TX; daughter, Jerith A. Rhodes Groves and David Lozano of Carlsbad, NM; five grandchildren: Randall S. Rhodes, Christy A. Youngblood and husband, Buddy, Mark A. Rhodes and wife, Clair, Tabitha A. Wilson and husband, Dustin, Chelsey V. Groves; six great-grandchildren: Stephen J. Rhodes, Courtney Rhodes, Scout Rhodes, Garret J. Wilson and Patrick E. A. Wilson, Riley O. Youngblood. Among her survivors are multiple nieces, nephews and their children as well as "adopted" grandchildren. Dorcas was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel G. and Savannah E. (McCoy) Hanks, beloved husband, Milton P. Rhodes; two brothers: S. Richard Hanks, Gene B. Hanks; nephew, Larry D. Gluck and great-nephew, Jarman Jacobs. Dorcas was born at home in Nolan, TX, and graduated from Divide High School and attended Hardin-Simmons University prior to the return of her fianc, Milton Rhodes, from a duty on a mine sweeper at the end of WWII. They were married in Sweetwater, TX on October 19, 1946. She was a faithful church member at First Baptist Church until her health prevented her attendance at church, but not her dedications to her bible. She was an example of this to all and any who knew or loved her. Major joys in her life were her husband, her children, nieces and nephews and her grandchildren enriched her life as she enriched theirs. No child, particularly the shy, misfit, or the most gregarious felt unloved in her presence. Dorcas served as office manager at General Refrigeration Service, established with her husband when they moved to Carlsbad in 1964. Needlework, reading and roses were her loved pursuits. Dorcas' sharp mind was a touchstone for political insight from her well-educated daughter - as wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, she left a wide swath of respect, love and admiration. She set the bar high as wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. Dorcas is missed. Pallbearers will be Randall S. Rhodes, Mark A. Rhodes, Christy A. Youngblood, Stephen J. Rhodes, Richard G. Hanks and Shawn Mitchell. Visitation will be Friday, March 9, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. A Funeral Service is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, 2012, 10:00 AM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Land officiating. Interment will follow the service in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.