On January 3, 2026, Robert L. “Bob” Rhoades was holding the hand of his wife and helpmate when God called him home. He passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior. While sad for their earthly loss, the family rejoices for the celebration in heaven.
Bob’s earthly journey began as the first born of James Earl Rhoades and Hazel Genevieve Shrontz Rhoades Poland of Washington, PA.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Nancy McDowell and Bill Rhoades, and brother-in-law Sam Hart.
He is survived by his sister Alma Hart, sister-in-law Janet Rhoades, and brother-in-law Don McDowell.
Bob attended a one room schoolhouse through eighth grade and graduated from Claysville High School. He went on to attain his BA from Waynesburg College, Waynesburg, PA; his Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; and his Doctor of Divinity from Eastern University and Palmer Theological Seminary.
Who knew the boy who once climbed through the church windows with mischievous friends would one day answer God’s call to ministry. Bob preached his first sermon at age 16 and was formally ordained May 1960 by Washington Presbytery at the First Buffalo Presbyterian Church, Washington, PA.
His ministry was within a 40-mile radius beginning with the Lower Path Valley Presbyterian Church, Fannettsburg, PA, Burnt Cabins, and Wells Valley 1960-1966. Hawley Memorial Presbyterian Church, Blue Ridge Summit, PA1967-1973. Big Spring Presbyterian Church and First United Presbyterian Church 1973-1977, First Presbyterian Church 1978-2000, when he retired for the first time.
He continued to serve his Lord and Carlisle Presbytery as temporary supply at Burnt Cabins, Lower Path Valley, and Wells Valley; East Waterford Presbyterian Church; then Shippensburg Presbyterian Church.
During his pastorate, the congregation embarked on a building and renovation program which merged two existing buildings under one roof, creating additional Sunday School rooms and a large fellowship hall.
When he retired, the congregation with the approval of the Presbytery of Carlisle voted to recognize him with the status of Pastor Emeritus. He was celebrated for a ministry of 40 years with the Presbyterian Church and 27 years at First United Presbyterian Church. Recently, he was honored by Carlisle Presbytery for his 65 years since ordination into the Presbyterian Church.
Bob served within his local communities, leading by example with a quiet, generous, servant heart. He served as Treasurer for the Carlisle Presbytery, and twice as a delegate to the Synod, Bob participate in the Big Spring interchurch council and helped form both the Big Spring Food Bank, and Neighbors in Christ. He remained active in both long after his retirement.
Bob shared 70 years of his life along side his college sweetheart, Barbara Rohland Rhoades. Together they lived a full life focused on bringing glory and honor to their Lord and Savior. They shared this passion with their four daughters: Wendy (Rob) Lynerd, Jill (Steve) Neundorf, Carol Ann Crable (Jeff Clouse), and Beth (Keith) Rhoades Baker, Bob took immense joy in his 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He shared a unique relationship with each of his children and grandchildren, sharing one common denominator-M&Ms. While the community knew him as Reverend Rhoades or Pastor Bob, he was Hon, Bob, Uncle Bob, Dad, and Grandpap to those who loved him most.
He leaves his family with an amazing legacy of love, acceptance , faith, and family. And books. Bob learned to use the computer enough to order books from Amazon, feeding his appreciation for lifelong learning.
The family want to thank the care teams at Chambersburg Hospital, and the extended family of caregivers at Green Ridge Village. We could not have asked for a better group of people to care for our parents. We are especially grateful for their understanding of the value of keeping Bob and Barbara together through the end.
All are welcome to a time of visitation on Thursday January 8, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or Friday, January 9, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 in Rhoades Fellowship Hall at First United Presbyterian Church, 111 West Big Spring Avenue, Newville, PA 17241. .
Services will be held in the sanctuary at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, under the direction of Pastors Tony Lorenz, Jeff Gibelius, and Neal McCulloch.
Bob will be laid to rest in Newville Cemetery.
Live stream will be available for those not able to attend in person. http://www.youtube.com/@firstunitedpresbyterianchu6916 https://www.facebook.com/www.1stupnewville.org/live_videos
If you wish to contribute to Bob’s memory, please consider a donation to Newville/ Big Spring community organization or Waynesburg University:
Newville Area Food Bank P.O. Box 82 Newville, PA 17141
Newville Area Meals on Wheels Attn: Beth Spahr 150 Creek Road Newville, PA 17241
Neighbors in Christ P.O. Box 71 Newville, PA 17241
Waynesburg University, Attn: Dave Floyd, 51 W. College Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370 Memo Line: Robert L. Rhoades and Barbara Rohland Rhoades scholarship fund.
To God be the glory, And may grace abound.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L. Rhoades, please visit the floral store.
