Leola Rhode

Leola Rhode, 86, of Howells passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at her home in Howells.

Mass of Christian Burial   Monday November 17, 2025   10:30 A.M. 

Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Howells

Rev. Walter Jong-A-Kiem, Celebrant

Visitation Sunday 3-5 P.M.   5 P.M. Parish Rosary all at Church

Additional Visitation Monday 9:30 - 10:30 A.M. at Church

Committal at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery 

Lunch at Howells Catholic Social Center

Leola was born on January 31, 1939, in David City to Howard and Mildred Howser. She attended elementary school in California for several years and returned to Howells, graduating from Howells High School in 1957.  She attended Doane and Midland colleges where she graduated with her teaching degree.

Leola taught in the Howells Community Catholic and Howells Public School systems for many years and continued to substitute teach for local schools throughout her retirement.

Leola married Reinold Rhode on December 29, 1962, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Olean. She was a member of GFWC Howells Woman’s Club, SS. Peter & Paul Christian Mothers, Legion Auxiliary, and book club.  Leola also served as a librarian at the Howells Public library.

Leola enjoyed spending time with family, reading, and playing games. She was a proud grandmother of three granddaughters. Family and friends appreciated Leola’s kind heart and baking skills as she was affectionately referred to as Aunt Scotcheroo.

Survivors include four children and three granddaughters, Tammy (Steve) Gorges of Springdale, AR; Terri (Wes) Heerboth, Kennedy and Courtney of Atlanta, GA; Jeff (Tina) Rhode and Peyton (Matt) Honnens of Lincoln, NE; and Jean Rhode and Todd Vieth of Rogers, AR. Sisters Bev Vazzano of Omaha, Suzi (Larry) Bazata of Omaha, and Phyllis (Bill) Nelson of Lincoln, NE.  Brother Howard Howser of Lincoln, NE, and sisters-in-law Sheri Howser of Omaha, NE, and Alda Grosserhode of West Point, NE, and many nieces and nephews.

Leola was preceded in death by her husband Reinold; parents, Howard and Mildred Howser; in-laws Joseph and Teresa Rhode; sister and brother-in-law Lucille and Joe Kuzelka; brother Jim Howser; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jermain and Alice Mae Rhode; brother-in-law Cyril Grosserhode, and several nephews.