Leona Hazel Rhoades age 74, of Plankinton, died Thursday, November 4, 2010 at her home in Plankinton after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at the Will Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Monday at the Will Funeral Chapel. Burial at a later date in Restlawn Cemetery in Huron.

She was surrounded by her family when she passed.

She was born Leona Hazel Shepard on August 6th, 1936, to John Shepard and Clara Lillian Willard Shepard in Miller, South Dakota. Leona married James "Dusty" Rhoades on May 13, 1956, and together raised four kids (two sons and two daugthers) near Mitchell. In 1986, Leona completed the nursing program at Dakota Wesleyan University. She moved to Abilene, Texas in 1987 where she was a practicing RN until her retirement in 2003. Following the loss of her husband in 2004, Leona moved back to South Dakota to be closer to her kids. Throughout her life, Leona loved sewing, handmade crafts and reading.

Leona is survived by Roger (Jane) Rhoades of Mitchell SD; Denise (Tom) Marx of Poulsbo WA; Steve (Mary) Rhoades of Plankinton SD; Vickie Jo Rhoades of Mitchell SD; one sister - Clara (Gene) Meyers of Huron SD; one brother - Leroy Shepard of Mitchell SD; eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother and a brother Morris Sonny Shepard and a sister Leota Newton.