Rhoda Milyard

Rhoda Mae Lavy Milyard daughter of Solomon and Margaret Mote Lavy passed away at the home of her son, David and Vicki after a lengthy illness related to a stroke in May of 2017. She was born October 28, 1923 in Darke County, Ohio and lived 100 years, 6 months and 9 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Emmert, daughters Alice Milyard and Ellen Mast, daughter-in-law Carol, grandson Wayne and great grandson Jax Wilkins. She was the last surviving member of her family and the last of her generation having been preceded in death by her parents and all 5 of her sisters and 5 brothers, namely, John who died in infancy, Susannah Sell, Joseph, Martha Brumbaugh, Benjamin, Elizabeth Garber, Mary Graybill, Daniel, twin Ruth Flora and Andrew. She was patiently cared for in her disabled condition first by her daughter Alice who passed away in 2020 and then by her daughter-in-law Vicki and her son David in their home near Brookville, Ohio, with the help from grandson Wayne, daughters-in-law Carol, Lois, Gloria and Runella and her other sons, grandchildren and friends.

She is survived by 4 sons William (Gloria) of Grove City, Ohio, Carl of Las Animas, Colorado, Richard (Runella) and David (Vicki) both of Brookville, Ohio, son-in-law Bill Mast, daughter-in-law Lois Milyard, 16 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews as well as a host of friends. She attended the Brethren Reformed Church near Brookville where the services will be held.

Mother was stalwart and stoic in life, always looking after and caring for her children and grandchildren. She was the matriarch of the family around whom everyone gathered on holiday and family occasions. The family always looked forward to and enjoyed many family gatherings at Mama’s for holiday meals and other occasions in her small house. She enjoyed gardening and quilting and, in her retirement, she quilted well over 100 quilts. She will be missed by all who loved her.

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2Cor 5:1