Gerelda Tripp Rhodes, age 89, of Vero Beach, Florida died December 10, 2023. She was born in Okeechobee, FL on October 31, 1934 to Joseph and Clara Tripp. She married Thomas T. Rhodes on Dec 28, 1963 at Community Church in Vero.

Gerre moved to Vero Beach with her sister Laverta in 1952 shortly after graduating from Lakeland High School. Having an aptitude for numbers, she worked at Irv Memmott's accounting practice for 20 years.

As a member of Community Church, she served as a Trustee in the 1970s, and also volunteered at Riverside Theatre. She was a member of the Garden Club in the 1960's and early 1970's. She and Tom formed a partnership with a few close friends to start Sunshine Laundries in 1977. Tom and Gerre were one of the earliest multi-store laundry owners in the industry. But she will mostly be remembered for owning and operating GT Rhodes, a fine men's clothing store in Sexton Plaza since 1981 and recently closed in November 2022. She loved helping customers look their best and enjoyed working there 6 days a week for over 40 years. Customers loved her energy, drive, and friendliness.

She is survived by her two children, Thomas T. Rhodes II (Sophie) of Vero Beach and Susannah R. Scarlatos (Vincent) of Winter Park. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Kaitlin &; Alexander Scarlatos and Colin & Madelaine Rhodes.

A service will be held at Community Church of Vero Beach January 5, 2024 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Community Church of Vero Beach or the Visiting Nurses Association.