Rhoda Arnett

Rhoda Arnett, a devoted homemaker and cherished member of her church community, passed away on December 19, 2025, at the Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. She was born to Arthur and Haley (Prater) Whitaker on May 24, 1939, in Salyersville, Kentucky.

On August 27, 1955, Rhoda married Kernie Arnett, and together they shared many wonderful years until his passing on February 3, 2022. During their sixty-six years of marriage, they were blessed with six children. First and foremost, Rhoda dedicated her life to raising her six children, instilling in them the values of love, faith, and kindness. Her nurturing spirit extended to her grandchildren, whom she adored and often babysat, filling their lives with laughter and lessons. Rhoda was not just a nurturing figure but also a strong Christian woman, deeply committed to her faith as a member of Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God in Silver Lake. She took pride in teaching her family about the love of Jesus, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

In addition to her role as a homemaker, Rhoda contributed to her family's well-being by working part-time at United Technologies, Peabody Seating Company, and Warner Brooder Company, all located in North Manchester.

Rhoda's passions included gardening, canning, and sewing, activities that brought her joy and satisfaction, but nothing brought her more joy than having her family together. She was renowned for her cooking skills, delighting her family with her wonderful meals, often preparing the favorite dishes of her grandchildren. Moreover, she was known for her mean games of checkers that she loved to play.

The loving memory of Rhoda Arnett will be forever cherished by her children, Carolyn (Frank) Holden, Westfield, Robert (Sheila) Arnett, South Whitley, Lois (David) Wise, North Manchester, and Rhonda Fruitt, North Manchester; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brothers, James (Ann) Whitaker, Waterford, Michigan, Lloyd Whitaker and Jerry Whitaker, both of Gunlock, Kentucky; sisters, Kathy (J.D.) Howard, Moorehead, Kentucky and Brenda Thornsberry, Waterford, Michigan. Rhoda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kernie Arnett; sons, Ronald and Randall “Randy” Arnett; grandson, Frank Holden Jr.; great-grandchild, Kingston Wise; brothers, Harold, Roger, Michael, Ralph, and Randall Keith Whitaker; sisters, Janet Whitaker, Fern Jean Whitaker, and Clarise Hounshell.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, December 24, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Justin Harshman officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Rhoda Arnett, memorial contributions may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, to assist with final expenses.

The family of Rhoda Arnett has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.