Shirley Belle (Hense) Rhodes

Shirley Belle (Hense) Rhoads, 90, of Fulton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on March 25 th.

Born in Beltsville, Maryland, on September 14, 1935, Shirley was the beloved daughter of Helga

(Knauer) and William Hense, Sr. She graduated from Northwestern High School in 1953 and soon began

working in the Horticulture Department at the University of Maryland. It was there that she met the

love of her life, Austin T. Rhoads. They married in 1959 and built a beautiful life together, raising two

daughters, Sharon Kay and Sandra Lynn.

Shirley was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished her grandchildren,

Mariah and Patrick (Amanda) Lockwood, and found immense joy in becoming “Great Grandma” to little

Mason, now 17 months old. She leaves behind her husband of 66 years, Austin; sons-in-law Jon and

Bryan; brother-in-law Jack and sister-in-law Barbara; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear

friends who will forever hold her memory close.

For more than 60 years, Shirley was an active and faithful member of the Lutheran Church of St.

Andrew, where she taught Sunday School, volunteered in the church office, and formed lifelong

friendships. She followed in her mother’s footsteps with her talent and love for handpainting china,

creating pieces that will be treasured for generations. Shirley and Austin later moved into their dream

home in Fulton, Maryland, where they spent thirtyfive happy years before relocating to Naples, Florida,

to be closer to family.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Dorothy and Miriam; and her brother, William

(Billy).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church of Bowie or to the National

Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 200901891.