Obituary of J. June Rhodes
J. June Rhodes, 93, of Grafton, WV, formerly of Tunnelton, WV, left this earth to return to her heavenly Father and home on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Beulahland Assisted Living in Grafton, with family by her side. She was reunited with her husband, who she had missed dearly.
She was born in Tunnelton, WV, on June 21, 1931, a daughter of the late Jesse Johnson and Ruby (Casteel) Johnson.
Throughout her whole life, June cared for many people. She quit school to help her mother raise her seven siblings. Her mother died at an early age, leaving June to care for them. Continuing her caring nature into adulthood, June had the most important job as a homemaker. June did work outside of the house for a short time as a cook at Mamie's Restaurant and helped at the Buckwheat Festival. After she became a grandmother, June went back and got her GED. She was an extremely smart lady and very proud of this accomplishment. She was a strong woman with unwavering devotion. June was strong-willed and stood for what she thought was right.
She was a faithful member of the Howesville United Methodist Church. She assisted the church as a Sunday school teacher, adult class teacher, treasurer, and served as a lay speaker.
June enjoyed writing poetry, stories, and songs from her past life experiences. One of her songs was even published by Nordyke Music Production – It's Your Turn to Be Blue. June sang in the church choir and was also in a gospel band – The Gospel Tones. The band traveled all over. They appeared on a popular Christian TV Station airing weekend mornings to showcase their talents and spread the word of God. June was also a talented guitar player and piano player.
June and her husband, Dusty, ran a teen center for several years in Tunnelton. They both helped with the church MYF Group. June and Dusty volunteered at many places, but particularly and most often at the Hope House in Tunnelton. She was a long standing member of TOPS and KOPS and served as a leader there. They loved traveling in their motor home. They went as far as the Grand Canyon, Texas, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and many other places. They enjoyed their favorite local camp sites such as 7 Islands, Big Bear Lake, and Teter Creek. Her favorite campfire snacks were mountain pies and smores, always sharing with friends and family.
Many yard sales were sought over the years along with an ice cream treat after the long day treasure hunting. June appreciated long walks, liked crocheting, playing video games, karaoke, cooking, baking, swimming, reading her Bible, and listening to music. There wasn't much that June didn't like to do. But her ultimate favorite thing was spending time with those she loved. June was always present for her family and was loved by all who knew her. June will be dearly missed. Heaven gained another beautiful angel.
June is survived by a son, Doug Rhodes of Tunnelton; granddaughter, Holly Rhodes (Anthony Adams) of Kingwood; grandson, Daniel Rhodes of Kingwood; great grandchildren, Ethan Kelley of Morgantown, Ian Kelley, and Helen Adams both of Kingwood, and sister, Marilyn Coffman and husband, Charlie of Tunnelton.
In addition to her parents, June is preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Darrel "Dusty" Rhodes; seven brothers, Harry Rex Johnson, Bob Johnson and wife, Nancy, Max Johnson and wife, Deloris, Tom Johnson and wife, Josephine, Terry Johnson and wife, Linda, Walter Perry Johnson, and Donnie Johnson, and mother-in-law, Kate Pratt Garrett.
To honor her wishes, June will be cremated. The Field Funeral Home in Masontown, WV, will provide compassionate and professional cremation services.
A memorial service will be held at Howesville United Methodist Church in Tunnelton, WV, on Thursday March 20, 2025 at 4:00pm with Pastor Delbert Lyons officiating. There will be a meal immediately following the service at the social hall. Private inurnment will be held on a later date.
Condolences may be extended online to the family at www.fieldfuneralhome.com
