Marilyn Mona (Wittenbach) Rhodes, age 91, passed away on January 26, 2026. A woman of deep faith and tireless service, Marilyn’s legacy spans continents and generations.
Born on January 12, 1935, and raised on 3 Mile Road in Lowell, Michigan, Marilyn graduated from Lowell High School before attending Eastern Michigan University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education.
For 20 years, Marilyn served as a missionary with Baptist Mid-Missions in the Central African Republic alongside her husband, Dr. Charles Rhodes. She was a cornerstone of their medical mission community, where she managed the pharmacy, taught Bible classes, and empowered local women by teaching them to read the Bible.
Marilyn was the center of her family throughout her 68 years of marriage. Known for her quick sense of humor and love of laughter, she brought joy to family gatherings. In her later years, she found great peace in decorating her home on Lake Michigan and enjoying the expansive views of the water.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Elmer Wittenbach; her son, Stephen Rhodes; and her siblings, Glenn (Lois) Wittenbach, Jerry (Joan) Wittenbach, and Betty Korhorn.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Charles Rhodes; her children, Elizabeth (Matthew) Olson and Bob Rhodes; and her daughter-in-law, Sveta Rhodes. She was the proud grandmother of Peter Olson, Gretchen Olson, Kahli (Kolton) Blickenstaff, Christian Rhodes, and Sophia Rhodes; and a cherished great-grandmother to Kolson Blickenstaff.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on May 9, 2026, at Alton Bible Church, 2780 Lincoln Lake Ave NE, Lowell, MI. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. A graveside service will follow.
Flowers may be sent to Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson St. SE, Lowell, MI.
In lieu of flowers, contributes can be made to Ippy Hospital, Baptist Mid-Missions, 7749 Webster Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130