Patricia Giles Rhodes, 71, of Green Creek, NC, was peacefully carried into the arms of the Lord while surrounded by love on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Fairhaven of Forest City.
Patricia was born January 26, 1946, in Charlotte, NC, the eldest of six children to the late Warren "Buster" Giles and Marylin Miller Giles. The adventures and travels of the Giles family are too many to recount; however, they instilled in Patricia a love for travel, people, and life. As a young woman, Patricia pursued her love for the arts at Winthrop University in Charlotte, NC. She married prior to completing her degree and from this marriage was given two of her greatest achievements, sons Ross and Tradd. This marriage would continue to lead Patricia on travels and adventure, taking her from the mountains to sea, but like all things would end.
Patricia would eventually follow her love for people and horses and move with her second husband to the mountains of North Carolina. From this marriage, she would be blessed with two more children, Shannon and Grant. Patricia shared her love for people and horses with her children and for many years was an active leader and organizer for River Valley Pony Club, of which her children were active members. Patricia was also known for her "her gift of gab," never meeting a stranger.
Patricia will be remembered most by those who loved her for her ability to smile through any trial and tribulation, her strength, courage, and overwhelming love for others. She is survived by her five siblings: Lynne (George) Greenoe of Charlotte, NC; Beverly (Carl) Berling of Hampstead, NC; Mike (Karen) Giles of Wilmington, NC; Alan (Amy) Giles of Charlotte, NC; and Barbara Kern of Roanoke, VA; her four children: Ross (Janet) Slayton of Mill Spring, NC; Tradd Slayton of Charlotte, NC; Shannon Rhodes of Rutherfordton, NC; and Grant Rhodes of Green Creek, NC; and her five grandchildren: Brandon and Adam Lyda, both of Saluda, NC; Mason Rhodes of Rutherfordton, NC; and Arianna and Dayvon Rhodes of Proctor, West Virginia.
The family would like to extend their deepest of appreciation to the staff of Fairhaven and Hospice of Rutherford County for providing Patricia and their family with the kindest of care, compassion, and support they provided during Patricia's last months. Each of you will forever hold a place in their hearts.
A private service for the family will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Eggers Funeral Home of Cliffside. www.eggersfuneralhome.com