Delores “Tootsie” Rhodes, 82, of Florence, passed away June 25, 2023. She was a member of Jacksonburg Church of Christ. A graveside service will be Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. in Wilson Cemetery at Rogers Chapel. Officiating will be Sonny Owens. Mrs. Rhodes was preceded in death by her parents, James “Buddy” Garner and Dorothy Hipps Garner; and son, Lyndel “Pumpkin” Rhodes, and brother, Danie Garner. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth “Tuck” Rhodes; son, Randal “Bucky” Rhodes (Carri Anne); Daughters: Denise Rhodes Ainsworth (Ralph), and Retha Rhodes; Brother, Gary “Butch” Garner (Pat); sister, Bobbie Garner Wison (Dennis); grandchildren, Clay McCary (A’ndrea), Callie Ward, Cara McCary, Carlie Henry (Ricky), Audrey Sellers (Luke), Tucker Rhodes, and Grace Anne Rhodes; great-grandchildren, Brady Landers, Cayleigh Hale, Cooper and Cori Ward, Ansley and Jack Henry, Avett and Bruin Sellers; and great-great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Sterling. Pallbearers will be Clay McCary, Tucker Rhodes, Kevin Garner, Zach Garner, Tim Wilson and Brady Landers. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary “Butch” Garner, Ralph Ainsworth, Keith Black, Brett Black, Bryce Black, Chuck Rhodes, Luke Sellers, Ricky Henry, Curt Abercrombie and Jeremiah Peters. Mrs. Rhodes fiercely loved all her family and “Ninnie” was well known throughout the community. “Tootsie” was a positive influence on the kids she babysat during her life (and there were many). She was a strong independent woman, but a loving and supportive wife who taught those skills to her daughters and granddaughters. Watching her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids compete in sporting events were times she dearly loved. Watching the Braves with her husband of 66 years was a favorite pastime. The love story of “Tuck and “Tootsie” inspired many. Her sense of humor eased her pain over the past 6 years and was a welcome reprieve for the past 2 months. We would like to thank the many nurses, techs and Dr. Lyman Mitchell at North Alabama Medical Center for their many hours of tender, compassionate care of her over the past 2 months. There are too many to mention but a special thank you to the nurses who cared for her during the “end of life” care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wilson Cemetery Fund in care of Rogers Chapel Church, 9430 Highway 17, Florence, AL 35634.
