Jacalyn Kay (Stambaugh) Rhodes

Jacalyn Kay (Stambaugh) Rhodes, known to her loved ones as Jackie, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, in Sugarcreek Township, Ohio. Born on January 21, 1955, in Xenia, Ohio, Jackie lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to those she cherished.

Jackie’s journey began in Fairborn, where she graduated from Fairborn Baker High School in 1973. Her pursuit of knowledge and heartfelt commitment to helping others led her to Wright State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation in 1977. This solid foundation shaped a career devoted to service and care, culminating in her role as a Medicaid Benefits Coordinator for the Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities, where she served with compassion until her retirement in 2020.

Her deepest pride was always rooted in her family. Together with her beloved husband, Denny, she shared 49 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring bond. Jackie was a loving mother to her son Jon and held cherished memories of her late son, Christopher Lee Rhodes. As a devoted sister, she remained close to Paula Phillippi, while treasuring the memories of her parents George and Lucille Stambaugh and sisters Susan Ward, Nancy Jackson, and Shirley Nelson, who preceded her in death. Her warmth extended to her nieces Angie Winters, Nikki Thomas, and Jennifer Kriegbaum, as well as her nephews Shawn Phillippi and Brent Nelson, all of whom hold special places in her heart.

Jackie’s generosity was not limited to her family; her thoughtful spirit illuminated every corner of her life. She was known for always putting others before herself, ready to lend a hand or listen with an open heart. Quilting was more than a hobby—it was a passion and a connection. She spent countless joyful hours quilting with her friends, traveling to Tennessee to gather with fellow quilting enthusiasts and delving into the captivating books of Jennifer Chiaverini that fueled her creativity. Beyond the fabric and thread, Jackie found peace in watching and feeding the birds, reflecting her gentle nature and appreciation of the simple beauties in life.

Her kindness, her giving soul, and her quiet strength have left an indelible imprint on all who knew her. Jackie’s legacy lives on in the family she adored, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched with her generous spirit. To know Jackie was to know a heart that beat solely to care for others, a light that will forever shine brightly in the memories of those she loved.

A memorial service will be held at Spring Valley Global Methodist Church (1 West Walnut Street Spring Valley, Ohio) on Thursday April, 16, 2026 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jackie's memory to Bloom Community Services (121 Fairground Rd.
Xenia, OH 45385) an organization near and dear to Jackie's heart.