Obituary of Regina Marie Rhodes

Regina Marie Rhodes

(nee Scherer)

Regina Marie Rhodes, of Shorewood, IL, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully at the age of 71, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Bolingbrook, Illinois. She was born on December 10, 1953, in Peoria, Illinois, to the late Ernest and Mary (nee Smeltz) Scherer.

A lifelong learner and passionate teacher, Regina graduated from Washington Community High School, continued her education at Quincy University, and later earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois. Her career in education spanned several decades and left a deep impact on generations of students. She began her teaching journey at Beecher City High School, later served as a librarian at Johnny Logan Community College, and retired from her role at Momence High School, where she was known for her intelligence, patience, and unwavering commitment to her students.

Outside the classroom, Regina found joy in the simple pleasures of life — she loved game nights with her family, participating in trivia, and spending treasured time with her loved ones. Her family remembers her as a loving, intelligent, and selfless woman who gave wholeheartedly and touched the lives of everyone she met.

Regina is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, Timothy D. Rhodes; her devoted son, Joshua (Amy) Rhodes; her two grandsons, Derek and Andrew Rhodes and granddaughter, Lily Papesh of Indiapolis, IN. Regina also leaves behind her cherished siblings, Anne (Joe) Lotarski, Elizabeth (Max) Povse Br. John Scherer, and Joyce Scherer; in-laws, Tom Salrin, George Pang, and Bobbie Scherer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Mary Salrin, Rosalie Pang, and Robert Scherer; and step-son, Andrew Rhodes.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on through the many lives she shaped and the love she shared so generously.

A Memorial Service for Regina Marie Rhodes will be held at a later date at Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet.  As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded. 

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