Benette Ann Rhoades

Benette Ann Rhoades
Benette Ann Rhoades

Benette Ann Rhoades, 88, of Amarillo, TX finished a life well lived and graduated to heaven on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Washington Avenue Christian Church in Amarillo, TX. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Benette was born on July 7, 1932 in Oxford, KS to Ben and Maudine Banks. She is the oldest of two sisters. She was an excellent student (valedictorian) and pianist during her public-school years. After high school, Benette attended and earned her bachelor’s degree at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. After which she started her teaching career in Mulvane, KS while pursuing her graduate degree at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

While at Greeley, Benette met and married Otis C. Rhoades on August 17, 1956. Benette and Otis taught in Manzanola, CO for one year before moving to Amarillo, TX in 1959.

Amarillo allowed Benette and Otis to settle into a town that she would call home until her passing. Benette and Otis started their family with Melody in 1962 followed by Ryan in 1967. They also became longtime members of Washington Avenue Christian Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, forwarding agent for missionaries CW and Lois Callaway, pianist, and church secretary for a time. Benette loved her church family and was incredibly blessed by them.

Benette also spent many years teaching piano and accompanying, working in the sheet music department at Tolzien Music Co., and at High Plains Religious Bookstore. She loved helping and serving others in each of these capacities.

Benette is survived by her daughter, Melody Stinsman and husband Lee of Amarillo, TX; her son, Ryan Rhoades and wife Robyn of Plainview, TX; grandchildren Ben Stinsman and wife Elizabeth of Cypress, TX; James Stinsman, wife Morganne and great granddaughter Emma Stinsman of West Fargo, ND, McKenzie Rhoades of Lubbock, TX; and Michael Rhoades of Lubbock, TX. She is also survived by her sister Rue Ulrich of Tulsa, OK and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in addition to the services on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Washington Ave. Christian Church Missions Fund.

9 Replies to “Benette Ann Rhoades”

  1. My father and I used to sing in the choir with her husband and daughter. I enjoyed hearing the harpsichord tone of the keyboard she played every Sunday morning and evening. My father passed the same year but a few months later so she’ll probably meet him and my mom and they’ll be singing with the angels.

  2. We were so sorry to miss Benette’s services. I’m sure they were filled with many happy memories. May God bless all of your family.
    Otis and Benette used to give Cinda rides to WACC on Wed nights for choir practices. I remember the sweet baby shower for Melody.
    Thankful there will be a heavenly reunion, filled with wonderful music.

    Cinda and Lelan Callaway

  3. Lois and I were so richly blessed by our close association with Benette and Otis over many years. She was always so cheerful and encouraging. She served so faithfully over many years as forwarding agent for our missionary ministry. And she wrote multitudes of letters to us and our supporters. She had a keen mind and I look forward to happy visits with her and Otis in the future in heaven.
    C.W. Callaway

  4. When Mike and I first moved back to Amarillo in 1996, I visited with Benette in her home several times. What a precious blessing, just to be in her presence.

    Blessings, dear family. Mike and I wish we could have been there today, to hug your necks and celebrate Benette, and the hope of heaven!

  5. My condolences to the family
    I have known them my entire life and remember Otis and Bennette being part of my Grandparents lives during My poppie Burnice Massey’s bought with cancer. I hope the love people show and the fond memories people share bring you comfort Melody and Ryan

  6. Blessed to know Ottis and Benette and their love for our Savior They have been our encouragement and shepparding Ottis encouraged Wendy with French Horn Both he and Benette were so talented musically Will look forward to reunion with Jesus
    I am blessed knowing Melody and Ryan through the years They were passed the best of Ottis and Benette

  7. When I was a young mom back in the late 80s and looking for a part-time job to help with income, I applied for a job at High Plains Bookstore because there was a really nice lady there that always made me feel like I mattered. That lady was Bennette. 40 years later I still remember the kind way she treated people that just made you feel peaceful and good. She was one of a kind and definitely an ambassador for Christ.

  8. We were so blessed to become a part of Otis and Benette’s family in 1993 when our daughter, Robyn was welcomed into the Rhoades family by marrying Ryan . What a blessing it has been to know this sweet and loving family. Rest in peace, Benette and Otis–together again. We send our love to Melody, Lee , James, Ben & families and to Ryan, Robyn, McKenzie and Michael.

  9. So sorry to hear about Benette. Her and Otis were such good friends of my grandparents. She was a wonderful pianist. My heartfelt prayers go out to you all.

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