Rhoda Mabel Lorenz

Rhoda Mabel Lorenz (Anderson), 96 of Independence, KS passed on to Glory on February 24, 2022. Today, she celebrates with her beloved husband, family and friends in the presence of Jesus, just days after what would have been her 70th wedding anniversary. Born in Greeley, Colorado, Rhoda spent her early life in the mountain plains of Colorado, on her family’s dairy farm. As part of a large Swedish family, Rhoda enjoyed cooking, sewing, and spending time playing with her siblings. In high school, Rhoda did well, graduating Valedictorian of her high school class. Following graduation, moved to Denver, where she met and married her loving husband, Wesley Lorenz of Okeene, OK. Following their marriage and the end of the Korean War (in which Wesley served), the Lorenz family moved to Independence, Kansas, where they established their home and lived 60+ years. While in Independence, Wesley was an engineer at Automotive Control Corporation. Rhoda managed the home and rearing of their three children, Dennis, Doris, and Duane. When not caring for her husband and children, you could find Rhoda embroidering, gardening, or serving at the First Baptist Church of Independence, where the Lorenz family held membership for more than 65+ years. As the years passed, Rhoda’s role as a caring mother evolved into another, most enjoyed – Grandmother. Her home was always open to her children and grandchildren, who loved visiting for strolls through the Independence Park and Zoo, picking strawberries in her garden, or swinging together on the front porch swing. When she wasn’t hosting family, you could find Rhoda sewing baby blankets for the Pregnancy Resource Center, embroidering the world’s best dish towels, or assembling jigsaw puzzles. Most recently, Rhoda resided at the Tallgrass Estates Retirement Community in Bartlesville, OK, where she enjoyed strolling the building and grounds for exercise and (humorously) observing other “old people” – a demographic she didn’t quite consider herself in yet, despite being nearly 100 years old. Rhoda is survived by her son Dennis of Pittsburg, KS; daughter Doris of Topeka, KS; and son Duane (Judy) of Bartlesville, OK, as well as 7 grandchildren (and their spouses) and 13 great-grandchildren. Her beloved siblings Ruby Carlson (Anderson), Rolene Foos, and Rodney Anderson also survive her. Rhoda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 7 siblings. Rhoda’s family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Sunday, from 3-5 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Sunday from 12-5. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, Ks, with Mr. Dennis Lorenz officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com. Memorials can be left in Rhoda’s name at The Midwest Pregnancy Care Center in Independence, KS ,The Journey Home in Bartlesville, OK , or FORPAZ ( Friends of Riverside Park and Zoo) in Independence, KS. When Rhoda’s time came to rejoin her loved ones in the presence of the Lord, she was pleased, having lived a full life of love and service in His honor.

Rhoda Mabel Lorenz

December 16, 1925 - February 24, 2022