Patricia “Patty” Lynne Rhoades

PATRICIA "PATTY" LYNNE RHOADES, 83, of Paris, PA, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Monday, October 6, 2025. Born on March 19, 1942, in Steubenville, OH, she was the daughter of the late Norman H. Gracie and Anjanetta Lyke Gracie.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, James V. Rhoades; her brothers Roger J. Gracie, Norman “Bob” Gracie, and an infant brother; and her grandparents, Thomas and Vanna Mendenhall Lyke and James and Elizabeth Gracie.

A proud graduate of Weir High School, Class of 1960, Patty was a woman of deep faith and a devoted member of Weirton First Church of the Nazarene. Her life’s calling was education, and for over three decades she touched the lives of countless children. She taught for 24 years at Memorial Baptist Preschool, followed by 4 years at the Children’s Academy, and even after retirement, she returned to the classroom for another 4 years at Tri-State Christian Academy.

Patty’s compassion and dedication extended beyond the classroom. With her husband Jim and a group of community volunteers, she played a vital role in restoring the Paris Cemetery, transforming it from a forgotten space into a place of dignity and peace.

She is survived by her loving children: Amy Mitko (Martin Hozak), James Rhoades (Lori), and Dustin Rhoades (Melissa); and her cherished grandchildren: Tyler James Rhoades, Gavin Rhoades, Garrett Mitko, Alex Mitko, and Jarred Hozak. Patty is also survived by her brothers Richard T. Gracie (Betty) and Scott Gracie; sister-in-law Nellie Jean Balog Holezy (Bob); sisters-in-law Rhonda Gracie and Donna Gracie; brother-in-law Robert Rhoades (Dottie); and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 15 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at Steel & Wolfe Funeral Home, 380 Penco Road, Weirton, where the memorial service will take place Thursday at 11am. During visitation, a memory box will be available for friends and family to share their favorite memories of Patty — heartfelt tributes her family will treasure forever. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved Jim at Paris Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Paris Cemetery Company or Wreaths Across America at Paris Cemetery at 1717 Steubenville Pike, Burgettstown, PA 15021, to support the ongoing care of the cemetery she worked so lovingly to restore. 

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