Rhoda Louise Ferrier
Rhoda Louise Ferrier, nee Ashworth, died peacefully on a beautiful day with Spring in the air. She was surrounded by her faithful caregivers and in her home as she had always wanted to be, as she made her way to the Place that has been prepared for her by Grace.
Rhoda was born on April 1, 1926 in Philipsburg, the daughter of the late Richard and Mary Grace (Kephart) Ashworth. She was the youngest of the family. Rhoda had three sisters, Mary Ashworth, Betty Dixon, and Fran Ricketts and four brothers, Jonathan, Henry, Ellsworth, and Robert, all of whom preceded her in death. Rhoda grew up on a small farm in Osceola Mills, PA. She would tell of hearing lessons from many grades in the one-room schoolhouse she attended. Early knowledge and curiosity led to her skipping a grade in the schoolhouse, catching up to her brother Bob who was at first deflated by this turn of events. However, it brought them closer and they became very much like twins! Rhoda’s mother was her role model. She considered her mother an “angel-on-earth” and Rhoda lived a life that emulated her in many ways.
Rhoda attended Philipsburg School of Nursing. She graduated in 1946, beginning both a career for which she was well-suited and beginning a courtship with a man who had earlier caught her eye. Melvin Ferrier was the resident doctor at Philipsburg Hospital and had noticed this pretty young nurse, too. They began a courtship after she graduated. They were married at St. Lawrence Episcopal Church in Osceola Mills on September 24,1949 and “went to housekeeping” in an apartment on Front Street in Philipsburg. A daughter, Kathy, and son, Drew, were born and, soon, plans were made for building a house just outside Philipsburg proper where the family spent many treasured years.
Rhoda had the gift of hospitality. In her kitchen she prepared dishes both simple and fancy. Her mother-in-law, a native of France and an outstanding cook, was her mentor. She also welcomed a menagerie of pets into our home, including dogs, a horse, and small animals of all kinds.
Rhoda was an experienced bridge player and played in an ever-changing number of clubs, including “Couples Club” with Melvin, over the years. She also enjoyed hosting family from near and far during holidays. These were times to catchup with brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Family was always near and dear to her and she kept abreast of what was happening in their lives. Most recently visits from extended family members were highlights of her days, especially when she could no longer travel to visit them anymore.
Rhoda continuously gave back to her community. For many years arranged for visits of the Red Cross Bloodmobile in Philipsburg and surrounding communities. As her siblings grew infirm or a sister, brother or friend lost a spouse, Rhoda responded with caring phone calls and help with meals or other household needs. As the last of her generation, she became the matriarch of our family.
The Episcopal Church was the spiritual home of the Ashworth clan. St. Paul’s in Philipsburg was for Rhoda a tethering point for her faith and a recipient of her service. She was involved in events galore – bazaars, suppers, and fund-raising sales. She particularly enjoyed Episcopal Church Women meetings and outreach, singing in the choir, serving on the vestry, and being the directress of the Altar Guild for many years. The beauty and care of the church was both a responsibility and a joy. For Rhoda, many lifelong relationships began within those stone walls.
Rhoda and Melvin were blessed with two grandchildren, Erin Newnam Rushman (Pete Rushman) and Stephen Ferrier Newnam (Yaneva Newnam). They spent part of their summers with their grandparents. Stephen recalls, “I don’t know what my grandma did to make a basic lunchtime sandwich taste like that. Likely the food tasted more delicious when the opportunities to enjoy it together were rare.” Visiting her grandfather working in the garden, Erin would ” pick blueberries and take them to Grandma so that we could make a pie together.” Stephen has planted berry bushes in their backyard to duplicate that childhood memory with his daughter, Zoella. Joining Zoella as great grandchildren are Hailey Douglass, Grant Rushman, Peyton Rushman, and Charlotte Rushman. Rhoda’s life was enriched by this new generation and they will know her through their memories and our stories.
Rhoda leaves to mourn her, her son Drew and his wife Sally Grove, Rhoda’s daughter Kathleen and her husband Bruce Nall, many friends, and a host of nieces and nephews. We thank her amazing group of caregivers who encouraged her, made her comfortable and shared many special days with Mom. Barb, Dee, Patience, Brynn, Donna, Nancy, Wendy, Mim and Susan: you gave our mother the ability to be at home as she wished. The staff of Mount Nittany Health cared for her for many years. Jimmy and Joy McCliment were knowledgeable professionals and cherished friends. 365 Hospice provided the entire family comfort and helped Mom journey peacefully from this place.
Rhoda’s wish was that memorials be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 405 E. Presqueisle Street, Philipsburg, PA 16866; or to the Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602, centralpahumane.org
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Philipsburg, on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 2:00PM.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, phone (814)342-4310.
Further information and an online guestbook may be found on the Beezer-Heath website at www.beezerheathfh.com.
