Barbara Rhodes Armel Rieley's Obituary
Barbara Rhodes Armel Rieley, 83, of Leesburg, VA passed away March 31, 2015.
A native of Washington, D.C., she attended Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated from Marjorie Webster Junior College with a degree in Art. In 1953, she married Ensign Lyle Armel and embarked on a 30 year adventure that brought frequent moves throughout the United States as well as Japan and Italy. As a Navy wife, Barbara Lee provided a stable home for their children during Lyle’s many deployments, which included two tours in Viet Nam. During their 36 year marriage the couple enjoyed travelling throughout North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. After losing Lyle to cancer, she married Robert Rieley in 1997. Barbara Lee and Bob had a long and happy marriage. The couple enjoyed golfing and extensive travel while splitting their time between homes in Leesburg and Hilton Head, SC.
Barbara Lee was a charming and vivacious hostess who created a sense of fun and excitement wherever she went. She volunteered with Navy Relief, the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and the Heritage Golf Tournament and her hobbies included golf, decorating, travel, cribbage and painting. She is survived by her husband Bob, brother William Franklin (Rusty) Rhodes of Potomac, MD, sons Captain Thomas Clifford Armel, USN (retired) of Little Mountain, SC and Colonel Lyle Oliver Armel III, USMC (retired) of New Market, MD, daughter Martha Armel Kennedy of Olney, MD, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Captain Lyle Oliver Armel II, and her grandson, Thomas Patrick Armel.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, April 8th at 11 a.m. at the Galilee Methodist Church in the Lansdowne Woods Clubhouse at 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Lansdowne, VA. The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in memory of her grandson Tommy and all children fighting childhood leukemia.
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