Laura Rhoda

Rhoda, Laura 10/21/1940 - 5/28/2022 Grand Rapids Rhoda, Laura Lee. 10/21/1940 – 5/28/2022. On Saturday, May 28, 2022, Laura passed away peacefully as her Lord and Savior received her into His heaven. Laura was born in Three Rivers, MI on October 21, 1940, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Rosene (Fuelling) Smallcombe. After graduating from Three Rivers High School in 1958, she attended Davenport Business School. Having worked in an office for a number of years, Laura decided to follow her dream to be a missionary and spread God's Word. She served the Lord not only in the US, but to people across the world. Laura served as an Assemblies of God missionary in the Philippines & Singapore for a number of years. Upon her return, she led medical-evangelistic outreaches to the Philippines, Nepal & Ghana. As a ministerial graduate of the Assemblies of God Bible School, she led many Bible study groups and loved to teach Hebrew. Laura led 17 trips to Israel where they did medical crusades. She was always excited to baptize people in Israel where Christ baptized, walk where Christ walked, and pray where Jesus prayed. Laura's love of Jesus and the church was evident in the way she loved to talk about the Lord and ask inquisitive questions to those she would meet along life's journey. She always had a smile on her face and a joyful disposition. Laura was known for always dressing smart (with a little bit of "bling") and being full of spunk, always ready to join in and lend a helping hand to those in need. She volunteered at Spectrum Health Guild Club, the Grand Rapids Symphony, Northpointe Christian School, and her church. Her smile and joy will be missed. She undoubtedly knew she was going to Heaven. We can envision her there socializing with those she has not seen in quite some time, as she survived her parents and other friends and family. Laura will be missed by all who loved her. She is survived by her three children, Dennis (Karen) Rhoda, Don (Lorri) Rhoda and Kim (Jim) Hamilton; her eight grandchildren, Trevor, Alyssa, Adam, Gabe, Trae, Jadyn, Olivia and Gavin; her brother Ed (Karen) Smallcombe. She is also succeeded by her aunt, Mary Raifsnider; and Vera Smallcombe; as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins who were very dear to her. We love you Mom and Grandma, and the joyful spirit you loved so many people with. Rest in HIS perfect peace. And, as Laura would say, "Be blessed and I will see you again in Heaven!" A funeral service, followed by a luncheon, will take place on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Church, 707 East Beltline Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI with Pastor Josh Warren officiating. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.