Rhodes. Gloria Jean Hipple

Gloria was born on August 22, 1941 in Titusville, PA. She was the daughter of the late Jeanne (Russell) Hipple Williams and the late Harold Hipple. She was the step-daughter of the late Harry Williams.

 

On May 27, 1995, she married the love of her life, Arnie Rhodes. They shared 16 1/2 years together. Gloria was known as "Duchess of the Kane District" where Arnold served as District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church. She took pleasure in being the pastor's wife at Clarion First United Methodist Church and hosting the open house for staff and the congregation.

 

Gloria was a graduate of Oil City High School in 1959 and the Welch's Business School, Oil City, PA.

 

Gloria started her telecommunication career in 1960 as a customer service representative for General Telephone in Oil City, PA. In 1963, she transferred to the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company in Alexandria, Virginia.

 

She continued as a customer service representative until 1966. At the young age of 26 years, she was promoted to a business office supervisor. She was then promoted to a training instructor for management and non-management personnel. She received several awards for outstanding performances in both of these capacities.

 

In 1988, Gloria received her second promotion to staff manager by AT&T to the training division at Parsippany, NJ. She was responsible for nationwide development and design of training materials for use in branch offices. She traveled extensively nationwide as a new manager trainer. Gloria retired from AT&T and moved back to Oil City in 1992.

 

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She enjoyed visiting shut-ins as a member of the church's Tender Loving Care group. She served as editor of the newsletter for the Lioness of Oil City. She volunteered at the Oil City Head Start.

 

Later, Gloria was a member of First United Methodist Church of Clarion where she sang in the choir for seven years.

 

Gloria enjoyed traveling, especially to Europe and the Holy Lands, and visited a total of sixteen countries. She enjoyed the theater and the movies and shopping with her sisters and friends.

 

Gloria was known for her contagious laughter and smile. During her illness she demonstrated her determination and faith as well as her compassion and caring for others. To many she was a loyal friend. She especially enjoyed her two cats, Sasha and Precious.

 

Beside her husband, Gloria is survived by a daughter, Angela Ball of Pontiac, MI; a son, Thomas J. Ball III of Manassas, VA.; a step-daughter, Lesley McGill and her husband, Todd of Rocky Grove, PA; a step-son, Christopher Rhodes and his wife, Stephanie, of Edinboro, PA. Grandchildren are Taylor and Thomas (T.J.) Ball of Manassas, VA, Lauren and Nathan McGill of Rocky Grove; Greysen and Griffin Rhodes of Edinboro, PA.

 

Also surviving are sisters Sandra Bickel and her husband, Jerry of Reno, PA.; Marian Money of High Point, NC. and 7 nieces and nephews. A close friend of 50 years, Dee De Arment and her husband, Howard of Murfreesboro, TN also survive.

 

Visitation was at the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory in Clarion with funeral services 7 PM Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion with United Methodist Bishop George W. Bashore, the Rev. Thomas Funk, and the Rev. Dr. Deryl Larsen, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Clarion, officiating. Interment was scheduled for Dec. 28 at the Grove Hill Cemetery in Oil City.

 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the First United Methodist Church, 6th & Wood Street, Clarion or to the Cancer Center at Clarion Hospital, One Hospital Drive, Clarion.

 

Friends and family may leave on line condolences, send sympathy card or flowers by visiting www.goblefh.net.