of Batesville, AR

March 14, 1925 - February 24, 2026

Mary Ann Adams Rhodes died peacefully at her home on February 24, 2026, with her beloved daughter, Ansel Rhodes Ponder, by her side. She was 100 years old. Ann lived a life marked by devotion - to her family, her faith, her students, and her community - and she touched generations through her quiet strength, intelligence, and kindness.

Ann was born in Batesville, Arkansas, to Judge Drury D. Adams and Ansel Livingston Adams. She spent her entire life deeply rooted in the Batesville community she loved. She is survived by her daughter, Ansel Rhodes Ponder of Batesville, granddaughter, Maurie Ponder husband Paul, and grandchildren, Daisy and Ellie. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Drury Adams, whom she lovingly cared for many years after their mother's passing; her husband of 72 years, Paul T. Rhodes; and her son-in-law, Drew Ponder.

A lifelong member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Batesville, Ann served faithfully on the Altar Guild for many years. Her faith was steady and lived out through service rather than words.

Ann attended the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and met the love of her life, Paul Rhodes. They married in 1946 and shared a remarkable 72 years of marriage. Ann earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947 and went on to a distinguished academic and professional career.

She served for many years as the guidance counselor at Batesville High School before pursuing advanced graduate study at the University of Arkansas. Ann earned a Master of Philosophy, a Master of Psychology, and ultimately a Doctorate in Psychology. She taught English and Psychology at Lyon College (then Arkansas College) for 26 years, shaping countless young lives with both rigor and compassion. In 1988, she was awarded the Williamson Prize, and she retired in 1993 as Professor Emerita of Psychology.

Ann's life of service extended far beyond the classroom. She was a devoted member of Chapter BQ, PEO Sisterhood; the Collectors Club; and Athena Club, where she was named Emerita. She volunteered for more than 20 years with the White River Medical Center Auxiliary and also gave her time to the Old Independence Regional Museum.

She found joy in collecting antiques, traveling with Paul, reading, and gardening. Most of all, Ann had a gift for making people feel valued. Her warm smile, gentle encouragement, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be remembered for her grace, intellect, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Dave and Cindy Allen, Jim and Kay Logenbach, Bob and Deborah Stroud, Hal and Mary Vandiver, Kenny Gerhardt, and Mickey Powell.

Ansel extends her heartfelt gratitude to Neicey Hodges, Gwen Crossland, Brandy Austin, Hayley Murphee, Carolyn Waugh, and Mitzi Felts for their loving care, as well as to Hospice Home Care of Searcy for their compassion and support.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Batesville on Tuesday, March 3, at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Carolyne Adhola officiating. A private burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Batesville, P.O. Box 2255, Batesville, AR 72503; Lyon College, 2300 Highland Road, Batesville, AR, 72501; or the Old Independence Regional Museum, 380 S. 9th Street, Batesville, AR, 72501

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Crouch Funeral Home
510 College Avenue
Batesville, AR  72501
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com