Rhoda G. (Mest) Lyons, 75, formerly of Leesport and Sinking Spring, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, October 28, 2018, in Tel Hai Retirement Community, Honey Brook, with her loving husband Richard by her side. She and Richard celebrated 31 wonderful years of marriage this past summer. Born April 22, 1943, in West Reading, Rhoda was a daughter of the late Kenneth R. and Naomi R. (Bechtel) Mest.

A 1961 Boyertown High School graduate, Rhoda attended the Reading Hospital School of Nursing, earning her RN in 1964. She spent her entire life in service to others, especially the ill. In addition to her 30 years as a nurse at Reading Hospital, Rhoda also was a parish nurse, first at Advent Lutheran Church, and more recently at Bern Lutheran Church.

She also served her church as a leader during Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, was Prayer Chain Organizer, a member of the Church Wellness Committee, and Past Vice President of WELCA. Most recently, Rhoda was an Associate Member of Bern Evangelical Lutheran Church, and was a member of Bally Mennonite Church.

She tirelessly served a number of local organizations, including: Alumni Association of the Reading Hospital, Berks County Parish Nurse Association, Mennonite Nurses Association, and was an Associate Life Member of both the Berks County, and Southern Berks Associations of School Retirees.

Rhoda was also a life member of the Spruce Lake Retreat, and sang for over 30 years with the Reading Choral Society.

In addition to her husband, Rhoda is survived by three sisters: Ruth Ann, wife of Rupert Venzke, Pottstown; Lois A. Mest, Wellsboro and Martha J. Small, Wellsboro. Also surviving is a niece Samantha Mathias, and four nephews: Royale and Ruppert Venzke, and Leroy and Titus Himmelberger.

A celebration of Rhoda’s life will be held Thursday, November 1, at 11:00am at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA, followed by burial at Laureldale Cemetery. A public viewing will be held in the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rhoda’s honor may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Inc., 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 or: www.berksarl.org/donate.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.