Elizabeth "Betty" Rentz Rhodes

Varnville, SC - Betty Rhodes, 91, an active member of the Varnville community for almost eighty years until moving to Rock Hill in 2001, passed away Saturday, October 12, after a period of declining health.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, October 16, at 2 p.m. at the Varnville Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Kelly, Jr. of Varnville First Baptist Church, where Betty was a life-long member, officiating.

Betty, was born February 1, 1922 in Varnville, the daughter of Elizabeth Miller and William Harrell Rentz. She attended Armstrong College in Savannah, GA and then returned to Varnville where she spent most of her life. She was married in 1947 to William Luther (Bill) Rhodes, Jr., a former South Carolina Supreme Court Justice, who died in 1986. Together they reared a family of three daughters Nancy Elizabeth Beach (Howell) and Jennifer Ethel Rhodes of Beaufort and Jane Peeples (Harold) of Rock Hill.

Betty, also, is survived by six grandchildren: Ashley Rhodes Peeples (Jessica) of Rock Hill; Thomas Jason Ruhf (Nicolette) of Beaufort: Katherine Ann Ledbetter (Brian) and Christina Margaret Cummings of Charleston; Laura Elizabeth Balgari (David) of Atlanta, GA; and Spencer Ross Peeples of Brooklyn, NY and six great grandchildren: Susanna Elizabeth Balgari and Rebecca Balgari of Atlanta, GA; Chalmers Davis Johnson, Catlyn Mailei Johnson and Evelyn Mei Long Peeples of Rock Hill; and William Oliver Ledbetter of Charleston. She is also survived by her brother, John Rentz (Lalla), of Asheboro, NC.

In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was predeceased by her brother, William Harrell Rentz, Jr. and his wife, Lucille. Her first husband, Lt. Frank Shirer DuBose, died in the line of duty during World War II.

In Varnville, Betty served on the Hampton County Arts Council and Art League; chaired the Hampton County Library Board and Magnolia Garden Club; was a member of the Varnville Community Council and the Varnville Cemetery Association board and a mentor with Hampton County Adult Literacy. She was a life-long member of Varnville First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years.

One of her favorite hobbies was researching local history and genealogy. She helped to research and edit a book on the history of the town of Varnville that was published in 1998. She also pursued her interest in art as a member of the Beaufort Art League where she spent many pleasant hours painting with friends.

After moving to Rock Hill, Betty enthusiastically joined the Westminster Towers retirement community where she made many new friends.

For all who knew her, Betty will be remembered for her warm smile, gentle words, graceful style and abiding faith.

For those desiring to send a memorial in Betty's name, the following are suggested: Varnville Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 707, Varnville, SC 29944; Westminster Towers Resident Assistance Fund, 1330 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, S. C. 29732 or the charity of one's choice.

Family will greet friends at the Social hall at Varnville Baptist Church immediately following the Service.