Norma Elaine Rhoads, 95

February 06, 2025

Norma Elaine Rhoads passed away at her daughter’s home in Manheim on February 6, 2025, at the age of 95. She spent her final moments surrounded by family and transitioned to Heaven peacefully. Born in Brunnerville, she was the daughter of the late S. Wayne and Erla (Miller) Grube.

A lifelong and devoted member of Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Norma served as the church organist for over 30 years, sharing her remarkable musical talents with countless individuals. Musically gifted, her proficiency on the saxophone, clarinet, piano, and organ was recognized and enjoyed by many. She would often be asked by her grandchildren to play the organ when they visited her, and she never said no. Prior to her commitment to music ministry, Norma attended Rothsville High School, where she proudly played in the high school band, nurturing a lifelong love for all things musical.

In 1947, Norma married Clarence “Bud” Rhoads upon his return from WWII, forging a partnership that encompassed love, devotion, and a shared commitment to family. Norma and Bud lived the quintessential American Dream, building a house on Owl Hill Road in Lititz in 1952, which Norma would reside in for nearly 70 years. Norma and Bud celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary prior to Bud’s passing in 2013.

As her children grew older, Norma took up work in the cafeteria at Warwick High School to keep herself busy. But her most cherished role was that of a homemaker, dedicating herself to her family and creating a warm, loving home. As part of that role, Norma would spend countless hours in her yard, nurturing her beautiful array of plants in the spring and summer, and dealing with pesky, ever-present leaves in the fall. (Norma wasn’t satisfied until every single leaf had found its way into a garbage can!)

Following Bud’s retirement from Armstrong Industries in the 1990s, Norma and Bud decided to travel across our country’s great expanse on a month-long road trip with her sisters, Lois and Lucille, and their respective husbands, Elvin and Jim. Norma and Bud also visited Canada and Alaska, but their favorite destination was the family cabin in Clinton County. The cabin was an early 1980s construction project overseen with a watchful eye by Norma, and carried out largely by Bud and their son, Rodney. The cabin is still a beloved retreat for family members today. Norma also loved vacationing in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with family, often riding bicycle up and down the city’s revered boardwalk. Norma was also an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for the Phillies, Penn State, and UConn women’s basketball. When sports weren’t on the TV, you could bet The Price is Right was.

Norma is survived by her children: Randall D. Rhoads of Mountville, Rodney E. Rhoads (Natalie) of Lititz, and Bonnie S. Votano of Manheim; 11 grandchildren: Kelly, Brad, and Kim Rhoads, Chad Rhoads (Tracy), Dustin Rhoads, Jennifer Vogt (Jon), Melissa Edinger (Justin), Ashly Rhoads-Turriziani (Michael), Kory Karp, and Anthony and Michael Votano; 8 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild; as well as one sister Lois Mearig, two brothers Dale Grube (Shirley) and Terry Grube (Becky) and one sister in-law, Alice Grube.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence “Bud” Rhoads; son, Dennis L. Rhoads; brother, James Grube; and, sister Lucille Martin.

The family will receive friends on February 14, 2025, from 10 AM to 11 AM at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 36 Church Street, Lititz, PA 17543 with a service to celebrate Norma’s life beginning at 11 AM. Interment to follow at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery.