It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Lou “Peggy” Smith Rhodes, of Gibsonville, NC who departed this life on February 14th, 2026, at the age of 94. Peggy was born on March 14th, 1931, in Kenton, Ohio and grew up in Fremont, Ohio. She graduated from Fremont High School in 1949 and attended Kent State University.
In October 1951, she married the love of her life, Warren G. “Dusty” Rhodes and they were married for 72 years before he passed in 2024. Their marriage was built on friendship, mutual respect and countless life adventures.
Peggy devoted her life to her family and her faith, raising their four children with love and patience. She was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland for many years and built lifelong friendships along the way. After their final move in 1990, settling in Gibsonville, she became an active member of St. Mark’s Community Church in Burlington. While she was still able, she enjoyed meeting with her church circle #4 and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels.
Peggy and Dusty were instrumental in providing support towards Elon’s goal of an on-campus football stadium, as well as other University endeavors. They created the Rhodes Family Sports Scholarship for sports medicine and provided assistance towards individual Elon students.
Peggy’s five grandchildren were her pride and joy and always looked forward to family gatherings. She was also blessed with three great grandchildren that arrived within 12 months’ time this past year.
Peggy is survived by her children, Jennifer Rhodes (Miguel), David Rhodes (Pam) and Larry Rhodes (Scarlett). She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Craig Rhodes, Sean Ford (Christina), Stephen Ford (Stevie), Dalton Rhodes (Layne) and London Rhodes and her great grandchildren, Baker James Ford, Wynne Rhodes Ford and Wylder Gene Rhodes. Peggy is also survived by her brother, Joseph Smith and sister-in-law Betty Smith, along with nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, David Franklin Smith and Jeanne Hesse Smith, her daughter, Debra Ann Rhodes, her brother Gene Paul Smith and sister Becky Kay Smith.
The family expresses their gratitude towards Happier Days Private Duty Services – Sarah Lamberth and her staff that had given her such great care these past couple of years. We would also like to extend our appreciation to St. Mark’s Community Church for always keeping Peggy in their thoughts and prayers and sending cards of well wishes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Peggy’s memory to the Rhodes Family Sports Scholarship at Elon University or a charity of your choosing.
They say that behind every great man is a great woman…our mom was the epitome of that. Most of all, she loved her family. Mom left us on Valentine’s Day – we believe that dad wanted his true love with him. Fly high…until we meet again.
In Peggy’s honor, the family will hold a private funeral service commemorating her life. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
