Kathleen D. "Kay" Johnson-Rhodes, 84, of Troy, IL, born Sunday, May 18, 1941, in East St. Louis, Il and passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Maryville, IL.

Kay was a faithful member of Living Church of God in St. Louis.  She excelled academically, including a double grade promotion as an elementary student, and as Valedictorian in her grade school and high school.  She maintained an A average throughout college and graduated from SIU Edwardsville the first year of its opening.

With a degree in Education and Spanish, Kathleen served as schoolteacher in four states as well as at an Air Force base.

In her early years, she excelled at sports including ballet, swimming, figure skating, baseball and cheerleading. Later she enjoyed skiing.

Kathleen was an active Girl Scout, contributing much to her community, for many years.  Her mother was a scout master.  Kathleen continued her time with the Scouts until graduating college, serving as camp counselor during summer.

Some of Kathleen's accomplishments included playing piano, vocal music, meticulous sewing such as creating a graduation gown, painting very realistic art works, an enthusiasm for nature in most forms (even hamsters), and, perhaps most appreciated of all, a very gifted chef!

Kathleen was baptized in 1969 and attended the Radio Church of God.  She grew to be an inspiration and benefactor to her family and  community.

Kathleen enjoyed history, current events and travel.  Some of her visits took her to Israel, England, the Caribbean and Central America.

Her love and enthusiasm for life are very greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jon M. Rhodes and Melvin L. Johnson II; her parents, Robert M. and Muriel Joy (nee Bollinger) Neel; and a sister, Nancy Misegades.

Surviving are her children, Pamela (Barton) Nelson of West Union, IL, Mel (Stacy) Johnson III of Marine, IL, John M. (Cindy) Rhodes of Union, MO, Jennifer (Robin) Volke of Minooka, IL and David (Marybeth) Hercules of Kirkwood, MO; her sister, Peggy Phillips of Ocala, FL; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousin and friends.

Memorials may be made to charity of one's choice appreciated.  Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com

Visitation for Kay will be held 10 am to 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, IL

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 7, at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, IL with Dr. Richard Franz officiating.  Interment will be in Mundis Cemetery in Marine, IL.