Obituary of Bertha Lee Rhines

In Loving Memory of Bertha Lee (Boston) Rhines

December 22, 1933 – May 22, 2025

Bertha Lee (Boston) Rhines was born on December 22, 1933, in Buena Vista, Mississippi, to George and Bertha (Kilgore) Boston. She was one of 3 children born to this union.

Bertha went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the age of 91. She was a longtime resident of Minnesota Masonic Homes in Bloomington, MN, prior to her passing.

Bertha met the love of her life, Johnny Rhines, and they were united in holy matrimony on September 8, 1957, and were blessed with five children. Bertha lovingly dedicated her life to being a homemaker and raising her family. She also worked part-time as a preschool teacher, and she taught Sunday School.

She joined Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, MN, in 1966 and was a devoted and faithful member for 60 years.

Bertha had a heart for caregiving and a deep love for people. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Bertha volunteered along with her husband Johnny visiting the elderly, taking them shopping and doing yard work for them, whatever was needed. She embraced life fully and cherished caring for her family most of all. She never missed a school program or sporting event for her children and grandson. Bertha was a devoted school and church volunteer, and she especially enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking—her sweet potato pies and pound cakes were legendary.

After moving to Minnesota Masonic Homes, Bertha remained vibrant and active. She loved visiting with staff and fellow residents, participating in arts and crafts, playing games, and enjoying bingo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bertha Boston; her beloved husband of 39 years, Johnny Rhines; and many other relatives.

Bertha is survived by her loving children: Alice Rhines of Mendota Heights, MN, Beverly (Gbenga "Chris") Adebola of Crystal, MN, Anthony (Brenda) Rhines of Plymouth, MN, Evelyn Rhines of Richfield, MN and Pamela (Steven) Hayward of Dallas, TX

She also leaves behind her cherished grandson, JonWalter Rhines (Alysha) of Jefferson, WI; her dear sister, Mary Alice Wright of Westfield, IN; sister-in-law, Nola Gordon of Natchez, MS; many nieces and nephews, extended relatives, and a great number of treasured friends.

Bertha’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith will live on through the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

We want to thank MN Masonic Home for their kind, wonderful, loving compassionate care, over these years, and to Grace Hospice for their care in Bertha’s final days.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, June 2, 2025

MN Masonic Heritage Center Chapel 11500 Masonic Home Drive Bloomington, MN 55437

Private interment at

Lakewood Cemetery 

 

Memorials for Bertha to:

Minnesota Masonic Home

Grace Hospice