Deborah Allison Rhoades, the daughter of Wesley D. and Beverley E. (Barton) Slemp was born November 10, 1951, in Maryville, Missouri. She attended Fairfax High School, Fairfax, Missouri, graduating in 1969. Debbie then attended Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville for one year.
On January 4, 1970, Debbie was united in marriage to Vernon F. Rhoades at the First Presbyterian Church, Fairfax. They became the parents of two children, Sandy and Tracy. Vernon passed away in 2020.
Debbie was a homemaker and caregiver before being employed by the Fairfax Factory and Fairfax Laundry. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Fairfax, serving as a Sunday School teacher, a Deacon, and an Elder. She also helped the church by doing video graphics.
Debbie enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word searches. She loved writing poems and had several published. Debbie passed away Monday, July 7, 2025, Nodaway Nursing Home, Maryville, at the age of 73.
Besides her parents and husband, Vernon, Debbie was preceded in death by infant daughter, Tracy Lynn Rhoades. Survivors include daughter, Sandra Michelle Rhoades, Maryville; brother, Douglas (Jutta) Slemp, Fairfax; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M, Friday, July 11, 2025, First Presbyterian Church, Fairfax.
The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 A.M, Friday, prior to the service. There is no open visitation.
Interment: Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax.
Memorials: First Presbyterian Church, American Diabetes Association, or Spina Bifida Association
