Patricia “Pat” J. Rhoades, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Born in Alabama on May 4, 1945, to Iris and Edmund Fischer, Pat was raised in Florida alongside her six beloved brothers and sisters.
In 1963, Pat married the love of her life, Bernard “Dusty” Rhoades, in Georgia. They shared a beautiful, devoted life together. In 1977, they made the move to Virginia—a choice driven by the inseparable bond between Pat and her sister, Bobbie, who was also her lifelong best friend.
Pat was a woman deeply devoted to her family and found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially playing bingo. While she did not have children of her own, her heart was big enough to mother many; she was a beloved second mom to her nieces and nephews, who loved her dearly.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Bernard “Dusty” Rhoades; her sister and best friend, Bobbie Miller; her brother, Michael Fischer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her warmth and presence every day.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Iris and Edmund Fischer, as well as her sisters, Elizabeth, Iris Jean, and Juanita, and her brother, Edmund “Buster” Fischer. She is now peacefully reunited with them in the afterlife.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Peninsula Memorial Park. All family and friends are welcome to attend to celebrate Pat’s life.