Virginia Ruth Rhodes

Virginia Ruth Fine Rhodes (85) was born on August 30, 1939, finished her race on July 17, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, kindness, and servanthood.

Virginia was born in Lubbock, Texas, to Earl and Helen Fine. She and her sister, Gayle, spent most of their childhood in Lubbock and moved to Dallas as teenagers. After graduating from high school, Virginia moved to Abilene and studied home economics at Abilene Christian University.

She then married Charles “Bob” Rhodes and settled in Amarillo, Texas, where she had two children, Carol Leigh and Bryan Robert Rhodes. Virginia built a remarkable life for herself and her family, working as one of the first female Senior Residential Appraisers in Amarillo. Her work ethic was second to none, and in addition to working at the Steve Rogers Company for over 30 years, she shared her knowledge and passion for real estate through teaching at Amarillo College and West Texas A&M.

Although her career was important to her, Virginia’s true calling was servanthood. She dedicated every moment of her life to serving others and spreading the love of Christ. Virginia was a faithful member of Anna Street Church of Christ. She served on several committees and was an active volunteer even in her final days. After her retirement, Virginia asked God to use her any way He could, and she became a pillar in her apartment community. She worked to ensure each of her friends and neighbors had a ride to the doctor and a stocked refrigerator. Her home remained open to all, where she was happy to offer a hot cup of coffee and a listening ear.

In her free time, she enjoyed reading, working puzzles, traveling, and spending time with her family. She visited all 50 states and traveled internationally several times, ensuring each of her grandchildren had at least one special trip with her. Virginia loved being with her family and friends, and she planned dozens of parties, dinners, and get-togethers filled with laughter and memorable activities.

As an outstanding daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her beautiful life will be forever cherished by her family. She leaves behind her younger sister, Gayle and Don Mitchell, and two children, Bryan and Tamara Rhodes and Carol and John Baron. She has six grandchildren who were so very fortunate to call her “Maw Maw”: Jenna and Matt Surbaugh, Krisann and Matt Watkins, Lexi and Jon Poole, Amy and Ryan Ricenbaw, Landry Sampson and Emma Morrow, and Stephen and Abbi Rhodes. She absolutely loved to dote on her five

great-grandchildren: Micah, Helen, Carter, Levi, and Grayson, and another addition coming this fall. She has many nieces and nephews who lovingly call her “Aunt Jenna”, whom she treasured dearly. Virginia will also be remembered by Kim Faler Lee as a special “bonus” mom.

Virginia had a special warmth and vibrancy that drew people in and instantly made them feel loved. She will be missed by an immeasurable number of friends and loved ones. She was a role model to many and an exemplary woman of God, who embodied the Fruits of the Spirit in every way. Her servant’s heart and helping hands worked tirelessly on this earth, and she has truly earned her Heavenly Reward.

Please join us in celebrating her remarkable life. There will be a visitation and viewing on Friday, July 25, from 6-8 PM at Schooler Funeral Home, located at 4100 S Georgia St, Amarillo, TX 79110. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 11 AM at Anna Street Church of Christ, located at 2310 Anna St, Amarillo, TX 79106. Virginia’s final resting place will be in Abilene, Texas, at Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, where she will join her parents.

In place of flowers, donations can be made to an organization Virginia supported for years, the Christian Relief Fund, at https://crf.com/give or the High Plains Children’s Home in Amarillo, at https://www.hpch.org/giving.