Ann Rodenbeck
Elizabeth Ann Rodenbeck was born on February 1, 1951, in West Plains, Missouri. She peacefully passed from this life on August 28, 2017, at her home. She was married on May 26, 1974, to Larry Rodenbeck, at Lake Wappapello, near Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She is survived by her husband, Larry Rodenbeck, her son Jay and wife Prajakta of Gaithersburg, Maryland, her son Ty of Springfield, Missouri and her daughter Abby and husband Clint Harris of Wilmington, North Carolina. She is also survived by her brother, Joe Bill Dixon of West Plains, Missouri, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Ann Franklin of Indianapolis, Indiana, her sister-in-law, Pam Rodenbeck of Martinsville, Indiana, her sister-in-law, Terri Rodenbeck of Mooresville, Indiana, her nephew, Greg Dixon and wife, Jamie of West Plains, Missouri, her nephew, Chad Dixon and wife, Jessica of West Plains, Missouri, her nephew, Rick Franklin and wife, Stephanie of Indianapolis, Indiana, her niece, Amy Pickett of Indianapolis, Indiana, her niece Kelly Rodenbeck-Stone of Franklin, Indiana, and her nephew Matt Rodenbeck and wife, Janay, of Martinsville, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her father, Glenn Dixon and her mother, Ruth Dixon of West Plains, Missouri, her mother-in-law, Lennes Rodenbeck-Hendricks of Spencer, Indiana, her sister-in-law, Judy Dixon of West Plains, Missouri and her brother-in-law, Rick Rodenbeck of Mooresville, Indiana. She graduated from West Plains High School in 1969 and graduated with a B.S. degree from Harding University in 1973. She completed her Master’s degree in Education from Missouri State University in 1986. She taught for 37 years at Greenville, Missouri, at Richards R-5 and at Howell Valley R-1, with the majority of those years spent at Richards R-5. She taught many subjects and thrived on the challenge of teaching different grade levels and subject areas. She loved her profession and truly enjoyed teaching kids and observing the progress of her students. She greatly enjoyed traveling with her family throughout the United States and abroad. She always had fond memories of her childhood, growing up on a farm outside of West Plains, Missouri, which was established in 1880. She was a lifelong member of the Brandsville, Missouri Church of Christ, where she taught many years of Sunday school classes. Through the years, she was very benevolent towards donating to charities. We would like to thank the following who assisted her in her courageous battle with dementia: Dr. Clara Applegate, Dr. Jeffrey Roylance and the Wound Care Services of Ozarks Medical Center. A drop-in celebration of life with family and friends will be taking place at Howell Valley School from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Dress attire at the celebration will be informal, please feel free to wear a school shirt you have been affiliated with in honor of her life devotion to education. Following the celebration of life, at 3:30 PM there will be an uplifting memorial service at Meltabarger Cemetery. You can make a donation in lieu of flowers to the Paragould Children’s Home at 5515 Walcott Rd., Paragould, AR 72450 or may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Donna Vercellone- Luther
August 29, 2017 @ 1:15 pm
My heart goes out to the Entire family. I had not seen Ann in quite some time.
I taught next to her at Richards R-5. Coached softball
With her. She was an amazing person. So vibrant, happy
And funny. She took me under her wing and clued me
In many times! I was new and right out of college.
There was a group of us and it felt like a small family.
Will always remember her like that!
Bob and Shirley Arnold
August 29, 2017 @ 4:41 pm
Larry, we are so sorry for your loss. We had an unforgettable trip to Alaska with you, the Bairds, the Gosses and the Burkheads. I look at the pictures often, and she had such a pretty smile. Larry, you were absolutely remarkable in your care for her. Truly God blessed you with the perfect helpmate. You have many stars in your crown.
Bill and Suzanne Adams
August 29, 2017 @ 6:17 pm
She was such a sweet woman! The kids at Richards loved her.
Joetta Hammen
August 29, 2017 @ 6:52 pm
Mrs. Rodenbeck was my favorite teacher from when she worked at Richard’s. She taught some of my children, too.. She was fair, feisty , nice, upbeat and one of a kind.
Paula R. England
August 29, 2017 @ 7:34 pm
I am so sorry. Ann and my dad were such buddies! I am thinking of you all at this time.
Ken Myers
August 29, 2017 @ 7:34 pm
Larry so sorry for your loss. Ann was a great teacher and lady. Prayers to you and your family.
Rosalea Cargill
August 29, 2017 @ 7:57 pm
Larry and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. It has to be Heaven’s gain. Ann was such a dear person. Hope that can bring you some comfort at this time. Rosalea and Dan Cargill
Barbara Pelc
August 29, 2017 @ 9:12 pm
Sorry for the loss of Ann, my prayers for the family. She will be missed deeply but her loving memory will be with us all.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
August 29, 2017 @ 9:52 pm
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Ann. We graduated high school and college together, and had many classes together over the years. She was beloved by many, and will be very much missed. My heart goes out to all of you, and you are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Jo Lafferty Parker
August 30, 2017 @ 9:31 am
My deepest sympathy to the family. Ann was a wonderful lady. May you Rest In Peace and run like the wind.
Melinda (Burgess) King
August 30, 2017 @ 10:21 am
Hold your memories close as they will bring you comfort in the days, weeks, months and years to come. Mrs. Rodenbeck was my 6th grade teacher at Richards. She left a lasting impression on me. She was always kind but firm. She was an excellent teacher and role model. She always remembered my name years later. I knew her health was failing. Thank goodness she had great family caregivers. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Deb Grisham Wehrman
August 30, 2017 @ 10:29 am
Larry and Family…I appreciate having known Ann as we shared the experiences of the Zizzer ’69 years together. Her friendship is treasured.
Dustin Lake
August 30, 2017 @ 3:05 pm
Mrs. Rodenbeck was a great teacher. I appreciate the chance to meet her. She will be missed.
Marilyn Grier
August 31, 2017 @ 2:11 pm
Larry and family….I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed spending time with Ann when she came to live with my twin sister and her husband in Springfield while Ann was taking some college classes. She was always so upbeat and friendly and always had a smile on her face. You are to be commended for taking care of Ann for all these years. You will have a special place in Heaven! Take care, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Debra Giles
August 31, 2017 @ 4:10 pm
Mrs Rodenbeck was always one of my favorite teachers at Richards. She finished our Kindergarten year at Richards after Mrs Landers got ill and then I had her again my 8th grade year. She was always encouraging and friendly. I always knew I had a friend in her, but I also knew never to disappoint her. Memories of her teaching and being a friend will always be in my heart.
Denise Stewart
September 1, 2017 @ 9:32 am
I have many happy memories of visiting Aunt Ruth & Uncle Glenn & getting to hang out with my awesome cousin, Ann. I looked up to her so much & enjoyed our time together. She was truly one of a kind & one of the nicest people I have ever known. She reminded me so much of her mother. Larry you were a wonderful husband & your love & dedication has been an inspiration. I have glad you & the children have many happy memories of this amazing woman. Love to you all.
Nancy Jackson-Bean
September 15, 2017 @ 7:36 pm
Wonderful educator and coach! Prayers for comfort.
Tarah White
September 20, 2017 @ 2:13 pm
Mrs. Rodenbeck was one of my very favorite teachers. She made learning fun. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this time.