Nellie Morris Rhodes

Nellie (Nell) M. Rhodes, 93, of Dunnellon died on Sunday morning, April 6, 2025 at VITAS Hospice in Lecanto, FL.

Nell and her late husband, Bob, moved to Dunnellon in 1959 after purchasing Lucky Landing Fish Camp on the Withlacoochee River. During her time at the fish camp, Nell would give a fishing report each day on WTRS radio to help promote the fish camp. Each report would start with her cheery voice saying “it’s a great day to go fishing,” and end with the line “--the Withlacoochee River, where the fishing is always good, but the catching is up to you.”

Nell was active in both the Dunnellon Chamber of Commerce and the Ocala-Marion County Chamber of Commerce. She volunteered to work at the Florida Welcome Center from time to time and at the Marion County booth at the Florida State Fair. Nell was community minded and won various awards throughout her lifetime for her service to others. After the weekly newspaper in town stopped publishing, Nell spearheaded a drive in 1981 to start another newspaper to serve the Dunnellon community. This newspaper became the Riverland News.

Nell served as a Jehovah’s Witness for 80 years. She was proud to see the growth of the Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout her life and was happy she was able to help build new Kingdom Halls. She loved to attend conventions and was able to visit different countries doing so.

Nell had a sharp wit she used often. She had an arsenal of one liners and quips she delighted her company with. She often referred to herself as “Double Trouble” and even had business cards declaring her as the owner of “Monkey Business.” She often told people she was a member of the FBI-which in her words meant that she was a “Florida Born Idiot.” Occasionally, she worked part-time at Always Something where she would tell people she was the oldest antique in the store. During her time at Charlie Weaver’s Bait shop she would respond to people who asked where the best place to fish was with an enthusiastic– “in the river!” When asked how she was feeling, she would often respond, “with my hands!” And as she left a conversation with you she often ended it with, “Cheer up, I’m leaving!”

Nell was a lover of life and of family. Nell is survived by two daughters, seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild.

Nell’s daughter,  Michel Northsea, (Steve) of Dunnellon and their five children; Nell quickly claimed Steve's children as her grandchildren and loved showing photos of her new grandchildren who were then teenagers – Jean Stadelmyer, (AJ), children, Kristian (Ivy) and their daughter, Juniper, Katelyn and Alexander all of Ashland, Ken., Layne Northsea (Tony Pecora) and their children, Ryan, Alexx, Ethan and Elle of Redding, Calif. Daniel Northsea (Tuesday), Madison, Jonas and Willow all of Crystal River.

Michel and Steve’s daughter  Erin Lawrence (Ryan) and daughters, Hailey and Mackenzie of Jacksonville and Melissa “Cole” Northsea of Dunnellon.

Nell’s daughter Melissa Johnson of Inverness and her daughter Kaley Johnson-Daeger, (George) and their children Otto and Ophelia of Nashville and son, Keenan Johnson of Inverness. Nell was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Eric Johnson.

Visitation with family and friends and a celebration of her life is set for Friday, April 11 from 4 to 7 p.m.  at the Dunnellon Depot, train station. In memory of her love for bright colors, flowers and hats, visitors are encouraged to dress accordingly.

A memorial service for Nell is set for 11 a.m, Sunday, April 13th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Dunnellon, FL on CR 39 with Tim Richardson presiding.

In lieu of flowers donations made in her memory are requested for the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, PO Box 845; Dunnellon, FL 34430, checks should be made out to: South Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. An alternate donation option would be the Greater Dunnellon Historical Society, P.O. Box 1836, Dunnellon, FL 34430. Expressions of condolences can be made at RobertsofDunnellon.com.