Vichy Campground Church of God

Robert Eugene Strickler of Hurley, MS, born May 7, 1935, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 after a four month battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by the late Elmer Strickler and Ethel Mae Lang and his sister Wanda Irby. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Mary Ann Strickler; three daughters Stephanie Ann Strickler, Sarasota, FL, Beverly Jean (Rob) Flance, Houston, TX and Dana Lynette (Tom) Ledman, Panama City, FL; and five grandchildren Kimberly Fetzer, Lynette Fetzer, Courtney Ford, Brandon Ford and Adam Flance.

After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1956, Bob served in the US Army until 1959. He returned to the states and married his sweetheart from Vichy, MO. They set up homestead in Hurley, MS in 1960, where they reside today. He taught high school for a few years and then became a full-time beekeeper. The profession allowed him the freedom of being there for family and community when needed, while allowing him to be self-employed. He enjoyed the outdoors, singing, traveling and family. Bob remained steadfast to his faith and beliefs. As a member of Pine Grove Church of God, he was a Sunday school teacher for 50 plus years. Actively singing bass in the quartets, trios and choir at church, he was also a member of the “Pride of Mobile” barbershop chorus and the “Mississippi Mud” quartet. His broad smile and open heart was welcoming to all that knew him. He will be missed greatly by all.

Visitation will be Friday, October 2, 2009 from 6pm to 8pm at Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa, MS. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 1pm at Pine Grove Church of God , with a one hour visitation prior to service with Bro. Larry Dishman and Bro. Clarence Campbell officiating, . Burial will follow at Big Point Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brandon Ford, Adam Flance, Stephen Strickler, Rodney Strickler, Robert Flance and Edward Strickler.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa, MS. Locally owned and operated. You may sign an online register book for Mr. Robert Eugene Strickler at www.heritagefuneralhome.us

Lillie Belle Rhoads of Belle died Saturday morning January 24, 2009 in the Frene Valley Nursing Home in Owensville, Missouri.  She was 88 years old.  Lillie was born on September 9, 1920, in a rural farm house north of Belle.  It is the same home where she was raised and lived her entire life.  On April 20, 1946, she was married to Mann Emerson Rhoads and to this union five children were born.

Surviving Lillie is her husband Mann, a resident in the Missouri Veterans Soldier's Home in St. James, four sons Larry and wife, Sharlene of Raymore, MO, Patrick and wife, Oleta of Belle, Ricky and wife, Jaimole of Tulsa, OK, and Randy with wife Theresa Rhoads of Belle. Also one daughter LaRayna with her husband Patrick Pirrie of Cuba.  There are fourteen grand children and fifteen great grand children.

Lillie was preceded in death by her four brothers Grover Keeney, Harry Robertson, Rainey Robertson and Charles Robertson.

Lillie's first church was one her father had helped build, the Pilot Knob Baptist Church.  Lillie and Mann later attended the Vichy Campground Church of God.