Zella Ruth (Adkins) Rhodes

Zella Ruth (Adkins) Rhodes, 86, born August 1,1939, made her final journey on October 19, 2025, when she was called home by her Lord and Savior.

 Zella is the wife of Rolan (Popeye) Rhodes. They were high school sweethearts and married on November 3, 1956. She is the most beautiful wife and mother. She is the epitome of Proverbs 31. Words cannot describe the amount of love she had within her. Children were one of her greatest joys, not only her children but any who crossed her doorstep. She had unconditional love for all who knew her. That often caused her pain yet was also the source of joy. Her love was expressed in the care she provided. Her home was open to any that needed a place to feel safe. Through her concern, she would let you know when you were involved in something that was not what her loving Savior would have you to do. She wanted everyone to know Jesus Christ is a wonderful Savior and deserves our greatest praise and worship. She loved to ask “Before you do anything, think ‘Would I want to be doing it when Jesus calls me home?’”

Zella is survived by her husband Rolan, five children – Beverly Gail (Doug) Bowser of Buckhannon, WV, Belinda Carlene (Joe) Collins of Versailles, KY, Duane Rolan (Darlene) Rhodes of Flemington, WV, Mona Jeannette (Mark) Sargent of Wardensvile, WV, and Melissa Elaine Ferrell of Franklin, WV; nine grandchildren, Craig Stimson, Adam Collins, Christopher  Collins, Anthony Sargent, Nicole Bennett, Renae Oschwald, Caleb Bennett, Jarod Rhodes, and Jacob Ferrell; four great-grandchildren, Alyssa Stimson, Rhianna Stimson, Harper Oschwald, and pre-born great grandchild Rhodes, and two great,great-grandchildren, Kenny Halladay and Amaryllis Wiggins. She is also survived by five siblings, Shirley Rhodes, Kathy Scott, Donvil Adkins, Delbert Adkins and Damon Adkins. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Zella was preceded in death by her parents, George and Tressie Adkins, 4 sisters (Carol McClung, Erma Scott, Loretta Salisbury, and Gayla Adkins) and granddaughter (Miranda Leigh Sargent).

Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Wilson Smith Funeral Home, Clay, WV with Brother Shawn Davis officiating with two-hour visitation prior to the service from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at the Adkins cemetery, Dog Run, WV.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

Wilson Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rhodes family.

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