Rhoda Faye (Sullivan) Rightnowar

Rhoda Faye (Sullivan) Rightnowar was born February 6, 1935 in Salem, Arkansas to William Everett Sullivan and Rhoda Belle (Neal) Sullivan. Due to the death of her mother during childbirth, Rhoda was raised by her Granny Neal in Winona, MO. Rhoda went to her heavenly home on October 25, 2025 at the age of 90 years and 9 months. She passed away peacefully at Mountain View Healthcare with her loved ones at her side. 

Rhoda was united in marriage to Gerald Gordon Rightnowar on June 1, 1950. To this union four children were born: Baby Richard, Arnold Gordon, Marilyn Faye, and Carol Sue. 

Rhoda enjoyed watching Westerns or game shows and sitting on the front porch watching the pets and wildlife. In her younger years, Rhoda was known for frying chicken and any other game that Gerald brought in from hunting or fishing. In her later years, Rhoda loved going to town for lunch and yard sales. She also always had a stash of snack cakes, candy bars and ice cream to share with visiting grandchildren. While being a very reserved lady in public, Rhoda was fiercely loyal to her family and may have perhaps shown a bit of favoritism to those with blue eyes like her own. She could also be known to have an ornery streak, and she definitely had a mind of her own. 

Rhoda is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Everett “Sonny” Sullivan, her sister, Inez Birlew, her husband, Gerald Rightnowar, and her four children: Baby Richard, Arnold Rightnowar, Carol Bell, and Marilyn Sykes. 

She is survived by her son-in-law, Daryl (Bobbie) Bell, grandchildren: Bradley (Rebekah) Bell, Emily (Rob) Steelman, Arnold F. Rightnowar, Randy Rightnowar, Dean (Joely) Rightnowar, and Tammy (Kenny) Roberts, 18 great-grandchildren, and 6 great great-great-grandchildren. 

Rhoda was saved and baptized while attending Fundamental Bible Baptist Church, and she spent her life always taking care of others. Even after enduring many hardships in her lifetime, Rhoda was still able to give a sweet smile to anyone who encountered her. 

A graveside funeral service was held at 10:00 AM, November 1, 2025 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Winona with Pastor Bob Ragain officiating. Services were under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net