Obituary of Ellen Rhodes

Ellen Rhodes, 92 formerly of Iowa City died Saturday, November 15, 2008, at Mill Pond Retirement Community in Ankeny, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City with the Reverend Rick Miller officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be at 1pm Wednesday until the services at the funeral home. Following the funeral service at the funeral home, there will be a reception for family and friends, before leaving for the cemetery services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ellen’s memory to Quakerdale at P.O. Box 8, New Providence, IA 50206 or Mill Pond Retirement Community at 1201 SE Millpond Ct, Ankeny, IA 50021. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Ellen Louise Beard was born February 10, 1916, in Frytown, Iowa the daughter of Fred and Nellie Beard. Following graduation from Sharon Center High School she was united in marriage to Emery E. Rhodes on October 25, 1935. She assisted her husband in farming, but also for many years she worked as a medical clerk at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. For 13 years she served as the church organist at the Sharon Center United Methodist Church, she was active in the Order of Eastern Star, and enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adeline’s of Iowa City. Ellen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City. Family and friends knew her skills as a seamstress, quilter and crocheter; many have received her work as gifts from her heart. Ellen enjoyed being outside tending to her yard and flowers. But the most joy in her life came from her family, especially caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! Her family includes her children, Gary Rhodes and his wife, Gail of Clive, IA and Donna Lawler and her husband, Junior of Eldora, IA; grandchildren, Scott Rhodes (Susan) of Urbandale, IA, Kristin Wilcox (Dan) of Urbandale, IA, Staci Kadolph (Kurt) of Ankeny, IA, Tiffany Christensen (Konrad) of Ankeny, IA, and Kelsey Marske (Andy) of Urbandale, IA; great-grandchildren, Ellen, Anna, Colin, Peyton, Kaden, Eli, and Abby; and one sister, Treva Rothenberger of California. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 1 sister, Evelyn Smith; and 4 brothers, Frederick, Paul, Donald, and John Beard. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Ellen’s family and her services.