Velorus M. "Dusty" Rhoades

Velorus M. “Dusty” Rhoades, age 88, died peacefully while surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at his home in Ottawa, Kansas. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Dusty was born June 1, 1933, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of John and Della (Murphy) Rhoades. He grew up in Wellsville, Kansas, and moved to Ottawa after he was married. After retirement, Dusty moved to the Pomona Lake area and then back to Ottawa where he lived for 3 years. He graduated from Wellsville High School with the class of 1951. Dusty served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 attaining the rank of Specialist 3 (T). On October 18, 1958, Dusty was united in marriage to Tonilee Mox in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home. Dusty was employed and retired from the City of Ottawa after 35 years as a lineman. After retirement, he volunteered at Pomona State Park for 3 years. He was an outdoorsman enjoying water skiing, camping, fishing and riding his motorcycle. Traveling in the states to visit family was something Dusty always looked forward to. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Martha, and grandson Jeffery Scott. Survivors include a raised stepdaughter Cynthia Bean (Bill Mauszycki) of Ottawa; siblings, Charles Rhoades of Independence, Missouri, and Mary Ann Yokum of Ottawa; granddaughter Lori Bean and great grandchildren, Eddie Bean and Faith Bean. The family suggests memorial contributions to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.