of Batesville, AR
March 14, 1925 - February 24, 2026
Mary Ann Adams Rhodes died peacefully at her home on February 24, 2026, with her beloved daughter, Ansel Rhodes Ponder, by her side. She was 100 years old. Ann lived a life marked by devotion - to her family, her faith, her students, and her community - and she touched generations through her quiet strength, intelligence, and kindness.
Ann was born in Batesville, Arkansas, to Judge Drury D. Adams and Ansel Livingston Adams. She spent her entire life deeply rooted in the Batesville community she loved. She is survived by her daughter, Ansel Rhodes Ponder of Batesville, granddaughter, Maurie Ponder husband Paul, and grandchildren, Daisy and Ellie. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Drury Adams, whom she lovingly cared for many years after their mother's passing; her husband of 72 years, Paul T. Rhodes; and her son-in-law, Drew Ponder.
A lifelong member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Batesville, Ann served faithfully on the Altar Guild for many years. Her faith was steady and lived out through service rather than words.
Ann attended the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and met the love of her life, Paul Rhodes. They married in 1946 and shared a remarkable 72 years of marriage. Ann earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947 and went on to a distinguished academic and professional career.
She served for many years as the guidance counselor at Batesville High School before pursuing advanced graduate study at the University of Arkansas. Ann earned a Master of Philosophy, a Master of Psychology, and ultimately a Doctorate in Psychology. She taught English and Psychology at Lyon College (then Arkansas College) for 26 years, shaping countless young lives with both rigor and compassion. In 1988, she was awarded the Williamson Prize, and she retired in 1993 as Professor Emerita of Psychology.
Ann's life of service extended far beyond the classroom. She was a devoted member of Chapter BQ, PEO Sisterhood; the Collectors Club; and Athena Club, where she was named Emerita. She volunteered for more than 20 years with the White River Medical Center Auxiliary and also gave her time to the Old Independence Regional Museum.
She found joy in collecting antiques, traveling with Paul, reading, and gardening. Most of all, Ann had a gift for making people feel valued. Her warm smile, gentle encouragement, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be remembered for her grace, intellect, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.
Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Dave and Cindy Allen, Jim and Kay Logenbach, Bob and Deborah Stroud, Hal and Mary Vandiver, Kenny Gerhardt, and Mickey Powell.
Ansel extends her heartfelt gratitude to Neicey Hodges, Gwen Crossland, Brandy Austin, Hayley Murphee, Carolyn Waugh, and Mitzi Felts for their loving care, as well as to Hospice Home Care of Searcy for their compassion and support.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Batesville on Tuesday, March 3, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Carolyne Adhola officiating. A private burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Batesville, P.O. Box 2255, Batesville, AR 72503; Lyon College, 2300 Highland Road, Batesville, AR, 72501; or the Old Independence Regional Museum, 380 S. 9th Street, Batesville, AR, 72501
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33 Condolence(s)
Kevin Jeffery
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Mrs. Rhodes was a wonderful professor of my youth. I recall with fondness the time I spent in her classroom. My condolences to the family.
Judge Jeffery
Oscar Jones
Monday, March 2, 2026
She was such a nice lady. She and Paul and then Dury were our next door neighbor for many years. Please accept our heartfelt condolences Ancel. She will be missed.🙏🏻✌️
Toni Powell Beck
Monday, March 2, 2026
Ann was the dearest friend to precious Florence Powell. Both were such elegant classic ladies and beautiful personalities full of grace. Ann will be deeply missed. She had a gracious way of making everyone feel special and appreciated.
May our Lord hold her in the palm of His hand.
Toni Powell Beck
Debbie Covington
Monday, March 2, 2026
I want to offer my condolences. Ann was a sweet lady.
John and Susan Dempsey
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Norma James
Friday, February 27, 2026
Ann was instrumental in making a college education available to me and taught me many writing skills later. Always ready to be a friend and offer support and a smile.
Kay Stice
Friday, February 27, 2026
Ansel, I have very find memories of Dr. Rhodes and my years working with her at the College. She was a very kind and special lady.
Taylor Jones
Friday, February 27, 2026
Ansel,
I am so sorry for your loss. You always spoke so highly of your mom and I can tell she was a light to everyone she met. The community was blessed to have her.
Your Safe Haven family is here for you! I am here for you! And we're all sending hugs to your way!
Always,
Taylor ❤️
Anne Glenn Coker
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Ansel, I'm so sorry for your loss. Ann was a special one. Prayers for you and your family.
Diane Ellis
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Ansel, Your mom was so kind to me when I started at Lyon. Her kindness and ability to connect every time we saw each other continued from that point forward. Her genuine warmth and the unhurried time she took with people made each person feel special. Oh, and her laugh. She would get tickled at little things that made me laugh as well. I know having her until age 100 still isn't long enough. ❤️
Nick & Katrina Fudge
Thursday, February 26, 2026
I remember this special lady very well when I attended St. Paul's church as a child. Praying for the family. God is our refuge and strength.
Nancy Wren
Thursday, February 26, 2026
A kind soul. I was glad to have known her. Nancy WRen
Taylor Jones
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Ansel,
I am so sorry for your loss. You always spoke so highly of your mom and I can tell she was a light to everyone she met. The community was blessed to have her.
Your Safe Haven family is here for you! I am here for you! And we're all sending hugs to your way!
Always,
Taylor ❤️
Scott and Jacqui McSpadden
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Ansel,
Ms.Ann was a special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God hold you in his arms.
Scott and Jacqui
Elizabeth Evans
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Dear Ansel,
What a full and long life your mother had. My condolences.
Elizabeth
Resa Bolin
Thursday, February 26, 2026
She was a true jewel. I always enjoyed visiting with her, so classy.
CLAYTON COVINGTON GAY
Thursday, February 26, 2026
A remarkable lady. Always so kind and gracious at Lyon. Dr Rhodes will be missed.
Kathy Ried
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Dr. Rhodes was always one of my favorites at Arkansas College. I am so sorry for your loss.
Larry Allgood
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
As the BHS Guidance Counselor, Mrs Rhodes made such an impression on every BHS Student during the 1960s. She'll be missed by everyone that knew her.
Alan Vickery
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Anne and Bill Luster
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Anne was a lovely person and a joy to be with in any situation. It was a privilege to know her.
Carolyn Matheny Wammack
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Ann was a wonderful lady. She took great care of Drury when he was alive. May God be with her family now and the days ahead.
Laura Martin
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Mrs. Ann was such a sweet, kind, intelligent woman. I always loved to visit with her. Her family is in my prayers.
Jim and Kay Longenbach
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Ann and Paul were two of our favorite friends. They were both amazing. I wish everyone could have known them and they would have loved them as much as we did. We were truly blessed to have had them in our lives.
Jim and Kay Longenbach
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Ann and Paul were two of our favorite friends. They were both amazing. I wish everyone could have known them and they would have loved them as much as we did. We were truly blessed to have had them in our lives.
Judy Messenger
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Ansel I am so sorry about your mother but she lived a fantastic life. I know you will miss her. You are in my prayers
Cindy Nelson
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Ann was my psychology teacher when I was at Arkansas College (now Lyon). She was a wonderful teacher.
Marie quallsEnjoy edherclasses
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Niecey Hodges
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Ms. Ann you were very special to me it was honor and privilege to serve you for over 6 years ❤️ I will always remember you, ik your in heaven, and I will see you again someday
Love, Niecey
Mitzi Felts
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Ansel it was a honor to care for your mother and to get to meet and visit with you my prayers are with all of you
Kitty Wilson
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Ansel, so very sorry to hear of your mother's passing! Many thoughts and prayers for you & family!
Kitty & Sonny Wilson
Greyling Davies
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss .Sending love and hugs.
Mark shreve
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
In my thoughts and prayers