Merry -Lynn- Rhodes

Merry "Lynn" Rhodes, 87 of Cornville, passed away February 15, 2015. She was born August 24, 1927 in Clemenceau (now Cottonwood), the daughter of Andy and Nina Tissaw. Lynn was a second-generation Verde Valley native. She lived in Globe, Miami, Tucson and Williams. After marrying Pierce Rhodes in 1949, she moved to Cornville where she lived the rest of her life on their ranch. Lynn was a true cowgirl. She rode bulls for exhibition in professional rodeos. She worked with Pierce on their ranch. Until 1961, Lynn and Pierce drove their horses and cattle from Cornville to their summer range near Mormon Lake. The drive took two weeks. In the Fall, they drove the herd back to Cornville. Later in life, she was invited to be a member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Lynn was very active in the community. She served on the Verde Valley Fair Board, was a 4-H leader for many years, and supported Mingus Athletics. In addition, Pierce and Lynn started the Verde Valley Jr. Rodeo Association in 1958. The VVJRA held monthly rodeos and then gymkhanas until 2003. She is survived by three children, Rhonda Rhodes (Joey Rivera), T. Pierce (Buddy) Rhodes (Annette), and Andi Gray all of Cornville; four granddaughters, Mauri and Bradi Rhodes, Ashley Paisano (James) and Heather Gray; and brother Ted Tissaw (Barbara). Memorial Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Wescott Funeral Home, 1013 East Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cottonwood Old Town Mission Holiday Food and Outreach Program. Online: oldtownmission.org/ or Mail: PO Box 1779 Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Information provided by survivors.