Mallie “Candy” Evelyn Rhody, 73, died Friday, January 30, 2026, at Mennowood Retirement Community with family by her side. Candy was born in Kobe, Japan, to the late Lieutenant Colonel Dean Augustus and Mallie Pruitt Rhody. Candy was born premature, which led to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. However, cerebral palsy did not get in her way of enjoying life. She resided most of her life in Newport News, Virginia, where she graduated from Warwick High School. She was an active member of North Riverside Baptist Church, volunteering for VBS, the Flower Committee, WMU, and jail ministries. She also attended Community Bible Study, where members described her smile as “radiating God’s love.” Her hobbies included family genealogy, growing flowers, and working on crossword puzzles. Candy treasured the family’s pet cats, and being “Mama” to her cats was an important part of her adult life. For the past 13 years, Candy called Mennowood her “home,” where she resided in Assisted Living. While she was there, Candy made many close friendships. She served as a Mennowood Resident Ambassador, started a cookie-baking class, enjoyed Bingo, gardening, and especially those weekly shopping trips!
Candy was predeceased by her parents, Dean Augustus Rhody and Mallie Pruitt Rhody, and a sister, Sarah Louisa Rhody. She is survived by her brother, Clarence “Chip” Dean Rhody (Kathy); nephews, Matthew Rhody (Angie) and Jason Rhody (Lisa); and four great-nieces, Evie Rhody, Claire Rhody, Cate Rhody, and Charlotte Rhody. Candy treasured her nephews and great-nieces with great delight.
A celebration of Candy’s life will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia, on Friday, February 6, 2026. Visitation is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. preceding the service at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Dr. Ben Caldwell. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
The family is indebted to the staff at Mennowood for their dedication, support, and love in caring for Candy. Our special thanks to the doctor, nurses, aids, social worker, and chaplains of Riverside Hospice for their exceptional care. And to Donna O’Hara, our gratitude for the supportive, loving care you have given Candy and our family in recent years.
7 Comments
My sincerely condolences to the family of Ms. Candy. I will be miss her laughter. I definitely treasure those moments when Ms. Candy ask me to make bracelets each occasions. Im grateful I spend time to celebrate her 73th birthday at mennewood. Iloveyou and I definitely miss you.
I will keep you in my prayers Ms. Candy and your family.
Just wow! So many memories I have of a special friend & “Faithful Prayer Warrior”. I take the words from the Bible His Holy Word that Candy knew so well. One thing I know for sure Candy is sitting at the feet of Jesus Her Savior with her family that met her with open arms. I could go on forever to tell you about this special friend. Air hugs to you, Candy!!
To your family. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8
As Christians, we are journeying through this world. It isn’t our home, and our citizenship is in another land. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16
You are in my prayers and thoughts. May God give you peace in your time of loss. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 God bless each of you. Grace, Peace, Love and Prayer The Greatest of these is LOVE! She knew how to love. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.2 Timothy 4:7
Until we meet again.
My Condolences to the Family. I remember growing up with Candy in Riverside Elementary School and North Riverside Baptist Church. Candy loved the Lord and now she is resting peacefully with Jesus. I’ll always remember her smile and joy she would always show. I’m grateful to have known Candy. Peace to you all.
My Condolences to the family. I remember Candy from Riverside Elementary School and North Riverside Baptist Church. She was Gods faithful servant here on earth and now resting peacefully with Jesus. I’m blessed to have known her and now blessings to her family.
Candy,
While on this earth, you were a ray of God’s sunshine. I will miss you dearly — so proud to have had you as one of my family members.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength in God’s promise to swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces. – Isaiah 25:8 Condolences
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss of beautiful Candy. Candy was a dear friend to the McKinley family at Mennowood. She was always so kind. She loved making cookies and sharing them! Our love and prayers are with you, her family. May God bring comfort and peace. Candy was loved by all. Sincerely, Rex McKinley and family