Verne Shoemaker

AUSTINTOWN - Funeral services will be held Monday, at noon, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Chapel, for Mrs. Verne Rhoads Shoemaker, 98, who died Thursday afternoon at Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.
Mrs. Shoemaker was born on Oct. 1, 1917, in Youngstown, daughter of Wilton and Loddie (Rogers) Fowler, and was a lifelong resident of the area.
She was a 1937 graduate of South High School. After graduation, she worked as the head of the cafeteria at South High School, before later retiring.
Verne was known for her big heart, and willingness to help others. She took care of her family for many years, and was the matriarch of her family. She was also a member of Eastern Starr, Moran Chapter for over 60 years.
Verne will be greatly missed by her son, Clyde (Dee) Rhoads of Austintown; five grandchildren, Kimberly Rhoads, Keri Rhoads, Darrin (Holly) Rhoads, Tina (Joe) Minor and Theresa Jones; and eight great-grandchildren, Lily and Sophie Hodge, Tylor and Carter Rhoads, Alexis, Haley, and Joey Minor and Lukas Jones.
Besides her parents, Verne was preceded in death by her first husband, Clyde Rhoads, whom she married in 1941; and her late husband, Robert L. Shoemaker, whom she married in 1984; son Tom Rhoads; two brothers, George and Wilton Fowler; and three sisters, Jean Kotouch, Francis Stamolis, and Lois Hinkson.
Family and friends may call today from 4 until 7 p.m. at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.
Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences.