Obituary of Rhoda J. Pinkston

Rhoda J. Pinkston, passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 65, on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at home.  She was born on August 31, 1958, the daughter of the late Clifford and Alta (nee Mueller) Whennen. 

Rhoda attended Lockport Township High School. She was employed by First Student Bus Company as a Bus Driver.  She was very proud of her route as she drove students with special needs. She took pride in ensuring they got to and from school safely each day.

Rhoda adored being outside by the pool, reading a book, and being with her family.  She loved to cook for her family and friends. She enjoyed driving around in her orange convertible VW Beetle with the top down.

Rhoda is survived by her two sons, Kenneth Whennen, Sr. and Nobie Mercer, Jr.; grandchildren Kenneth “KJ” Whennen, Jr.  and Emmanuel “Manny” Whennen; two great-grandchildren, Lorenzo and Camila Hernandez-Whennen; her sister, Ruth Harris; her brother, Carl Whennen ; brother-in-law Art Blaha; sister-in-law Amy Whennen; six nieces, Jenifer, Whendy, Brandy, Vaneicea, Vanessa and Kerrisa; two dear friends, Joan Pena and Pam Masek along with several great-nieces,  great-nephews, and a host of friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Retta Blaha; and her brother, Walter Whennen.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.  As it was her request, cremation rites will be accorded and a private inurnment will take place at a later date at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet, IL.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.