Wilma “Willie” Lee Rhode

July 28, 1939 - April 13, 2020
Wilma “Willie” Lee Rhode

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Wilma “Willie” Lee Rhode, of Dade City, passed away on April 13, 2020 at her home. She was a flight attendant for National Airlines and Pan American Airlines in Miami for 30 plus years. She loved horses her whole life and she raised and showed Arabians for many years. She and her husband moved to Dade City, from Miami, in 1988.

Willie was born on July 28, 1939 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. She grew up in Grand Junction, Michigan. She was a devoted wife, sister, and step-mother.

She was preceded in death by her father, David W. Mooy and mother, Pauline E. Mooy; grandparents, William and Olga Mooy and James and Cora Erkenbeck.

Willie is survived by her husband, H.W. “Dusty” Rhode; sisters, Carole Mooy (Jim Wellington) of Michigan and Kathryn Dickerson (Jim) or Arkansas; stepchildren, Gary Rhode of Florida, Kim Freeman of South Carolina, and Todd Rhode of Florida; step-grandchildren, Lydia Morrow, Douglas Freeman and Lockwood Freeman of South Carolina and Kyle Rhode of Florida. Also survived by special cousin, Leslie Zillman and many other cousins and friends.

She and Dusty were members of First United Methodist church of Dade City. The family was helped by Michels and Lundquist funeral home in New Port Richey, Florida. Interment in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, no services are to be held.


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  • April 28, 2020
    Kathleen Rankin says:
    My husband and I met Willie & Dusty over 30 years ago as we were neighbors in the North GA Mountains. We love/loved them deeply..I have never had the privilege of meeting an individual who was so devoted and committed to the sacrament of marriage. Dusty was always first and foremost in her life. I will miss my dear friend greatly. Our profound sympathies. Kathy & Berry Rankin Epworth /Blue Ridge GA

  • April 28, 2020
    Kathleen Rankin says:
    A devoted wife & dear friend

  • June 09, 2020
    Ginny Rorby says:
    In 1981, Willie and Dusty told me about a visit they made to Mendocino, CA. "You'd love it there," Willie said. Soon afterwards, I took a pass and flew to SFO, rented a car and drove to Mendocino. They were right. I feel in love with that little town. I took me 10 years to wrap up my life in Miami and move. I've now been here for 29 years. It's paradise and I've always been grateful. Please tell Dusty.

  • June 09, 2020
    A.D. Stewart says:
    I flew with Willie many, many times over our careers. Always a pleasure to work with her and have her in the crew. She and Dusty were both the sweetest people. Will always remember their beautiful smiles. My deepest condolences to her family. Mitzi Wood Stewart NAL/PAA

  • June 10, 2020
    Carolyn says:
    She was one of our finest in so many ways. A wonderful person to fly a trip with, and that carried over to her life and the way she sorta doted on Dusty. Very sad to read this. Our sympathies to Dusty and her family Carolyn and Don Veazey

  • June 16, 2020
    Alana Botner-Hampton says:
    Willie was always a delight to be around. Jim would make the comment before our annual NAL picnic in Franklin, NC that he hoped Willie and Dusty were there. They were just the best.

  • June 17, 2020
    Judith Spiess Howard lit a candle:
    Lit since June 17, 2020 at 6:59:04 PM

  • June 18, 2020
    Ava Fulghum says:
    My dear friend, I have thought about you and Dusty over the years . Thank you for being a part of my life you made it much better. See you later love, Ava