Mrs. Rhoda A. (Bush) Holt

Mrs. Rhoda A. (Bush) Holt, age 97, of Cortland, NY, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2011 at the Cortland Regional Medical Center with her family by her side. Born in Jordan, NY on November 29, 1913, Rhoda was the daughter of the late Barton L. and Jennie (Felter) Bush. She was a 1931 graduate of Cazenovia Seminary. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree and then went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Education from Syracuse University. It was on July 27, 1940, that she married Edwin P. Holt with whom she shared 33 years prior to his passing in December of 1973. Rhoda began her career teaching history in the Trumansburg School District. During World War II she worked with the Red Cross Clubmobile, a motorized canteen, serving the United States troops in England, France and Germany. After the war, she returned to Jordan to raise her family. A commitment to volunteer work and community action advocacy was an intrinsic component of her personality, a moral value and sense of responsibility that she instilled in her family. Over the years, Rhoda offered her time to the League of Women Voters, The United Blind, and Literacy Volunteers. She was a charitable woman, strong-willed and ahead of her time. She took great pride in her love of poetry, both reading and composing. She also enjoyed staying informed on current events, political debate, camping, hiking, and fishing. Rhoda is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Martha E. and Rodger W. Beck of Cortland; her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Noah D. Beck of Cortland, Jennie E. (Gabe) Hathorn and their children, Maddie, Maya, and Nolan, of South Windsor, CT. In addition, she leaves several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her dear friends both recent and lifelong. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth and Jane Bush, and Keith and Ruth Bush. Rhoda’s family extends sincere thanks to the staff of the Cortland Regional Medical Center for providing the highest level of care and comfort to Rhoda. Relatives and friends may call from 9:00-11:00 on Saturday morning at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home on 9 Lincoln Ave. in Cortland, NY under the direction of Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., Utica, NY 13501 (1-800-357-3019). A Memorial Service and Celebration of Rhoda’s Life will follow at 11:00, with Christine Abbass officiating the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rhoda’s memory may be made to the Cortland County Nutrition Program - Meals on Wheels, 60 Central Ave., Cortland, NY, or the Cortland Community Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) at www.cortlandspca.org. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Commensurate with Rhoda’s sense of responsibility to community and education, she has graciously contributed herself to the SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Mrs. Rhoda A. (Bush) Holt

November 29, 1913 - March 21, 2011