Obituary of Rhea Lowder

Rhea Lowder, 86, of N. Charleston, peacefully passed into heaven on February 7, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Rhea lived a life that was marked by love, service, and faithfulness and leaves behind, not just a life well lived, but an enduring legacy of grace and faith. The guiding principle of Rhea’s life was love: love for the Lord, love for her husband of 67 years, Harold Leon Lowder, an abiding love of her family and friends, and a love for the community she called home. Rhea was born in Ratcliff, AR and grew up in Fort Smith, relocating to Charleston after her marriage. Her faith was a defining characteristic of her life and she was a member at Portside Baptist Church for many years and most recently a member of Northwoods Baptist. If love was the solid foundation of her life, faithfulness and service were the tools she used to build on that foundation. She never missed an opportunity to serve those around her whether through weekly participation with meals on wheels, helping with her local church’s vacation bible school, or teaching the ladies Sunday school class Rhea’s eyes and heart were always open to the needs of those around her and she lived her life in such a way to fill those gaps with her presence and gifts. That selfless service was not reserved for those outside her home but flowed within her home as well and, as anyone who knew her could attest, she loved a good cookout and any excuse to gather together with those closest to her heart, her family. She will be remembered as a trustworthy and loving matriarch who loved deeply until the very end. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Rhea is survived by her husband, Harold, her sister Lea, her brother Mike, her 3 children, Steve (& Marie), Kim (& Andy), and Kristie, 7 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.  Rhea requested a celebration of life be held in her honor as opposed to traditional funeral services. We request all of Rhea’s loved ones to join us in celebrating her beautiful life at Northwoods Baptist Church chapel on Thursday, Feb 16, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. (visit with friends & family) and 11:00 – 11:30 memorial.