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Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

7944 Magnolia Ave

Riverside, California

Michael Rhodes Obituary

MICHAEL JACK RHODES Mike left this world to be with his heavenly Father on December 2, 2012. He fought a courageous battle against cancer and was surrounded by his family. Mike was born in Riverside, CA on June 10, 1958. He lived his whole life in Rubidoux, CA. He leaves behind his loving wife Cynthia of 37 years, and children, Mike "Bubba" (Erica), Jennifer (Gabriel), Albert (Corrina), David and grandchildren, Jalen, Anthony, Azalia, Mikey, Andrew, Elycia, Gabriel, Ashley, Albert, and Phillip. Mike worked for Burrtec Waste for 23 years. He loved being a trash man. Anyone who knew him, loved him. His generosity, selflessness, big heart, and his infectious smile left a lasting effect on those who had the privilege to know him. His legacy of love is what we all strive for. He will truly be loved and missed. Services to celebrate his life will be on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA. Viewing is from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Rosary is at 5:00pm. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at 10:00am at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 4268 Lime St Riverside, CA 92501. Burial will be at 11:30am at Olivewood Memorial Park 3300 Central Ave Riverside, CA 92506. Following the service will be a reception from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at VFW Post, 8607 Mission Blvd Riverside, CA.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Dec. 8, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rhodes

Not sure what to say?





We all lost a special person.

Mike taught me about our industry and more importantly about kindness, respect and integrity.

You will be missed.

Tracy Sweeney

December 18, 2012

Mike, you were such a great person! You are peace now, Our prayers and thoughts are with Cindy and all your family. We will especially miss you most at Easter, seeing you sitting in your RV relaxing..God Bless You Always!

Roy and Sonia (Aguilera) Gonzales, Denver, Colorado

December 12, 2012

You will always live in our hearts and always in our prayers. You will be missed much.

Tanya and bby Jonathan Pena

December 11, 2012

Our thoughts are with the Rhodes family at this difficult time, you have our deepest condolences and are in our prayers.

Abraham & Helen Diaz

December 11, 2012

MIKE YOU WERE SUCH A GREAT A GREAT PERSON I LOVE U AND WILL HAVE U IN MY HEART...... MY HEART GOES OUT TO CINDY AND FAMILY LOVE U GUYS TO

VICTORIA GEORGE HOYOS

December 11, 2012

Mike,You will always live in our hearts and prayers.you were a wonderful man.I'm Going to truly miss dancing with you. (West Coast pop lock).

Richard & Annette Aldama

December 11, 2012

One of my co-workers at Burrtec said it best about Mike…”he will surely be missed as he represented the very best of what Burrtec's culture and philosophy are all about, and he has become the gold-standard by which many of us measure ourselves against as it relates to customer care, employee care, etc.” I can't say it any better, but I will add that I wholeheartedly agree. Mike always had a smile on his face and a ready “hey, how's it going” every time we had a question for him. He epitomized the Burrtec motto of “We'll Take Care of It” and led by example; he truly was someone to look up to and emulate with his ever cheerful demeanor and good attitude. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family for their loss.

Rose Larsen

December 11, 2012

Mike -My prayers are with you and family and friends. I remember when we were in kindergarden together and we were best friends and your parents held you back for a year ,and I went to 1st grade. there was a fence that seperated us and we use to sing the song by the beatles I want to hold your hand. holding hands. wow Mike I know your holding hands with the lord. Mike you had every act of integrity,compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched,empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. We will miss you ,if I need a hand I will be looking up towards heaven. love you Danny Gurrola

December 11, 2012

Mike's testimony of his faith in God, gives us hope that we WILL see him again! All my love to Cindy, Michael, Jennifer and your families.
"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ will be made alive." 1 Cor 15:22

Your cousin ~ Mona

December 11, 2012

Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again!
Rest in Peace Uncle Mike

Brien & Daniela Sandoval

December 11, 2012

Words seem inadequate to expess my sorrow for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Mike at Burrtec in the desert. He was a great co-worker and a wonderful role model. His greatest joy was making others happy which showed with that beautiful smile. To the Rhodes Family: May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. May you take comfort in knowing that an angel is watching over you.

Rolanda Garibay

December 11, 2012

Uncle Mike, you were a great friend, uncle and a wonderful man. I'm so lucky I was part of your family . You and Cindy were always there in my times of need and I thank you. I will miss your warm smile and your laugh. You will live forever in my heart.

Pam Leach

December 11, 2012

Mike we really enjoyed knowing you, working with you at all the special events(the concerts), playing softball with Burrtec Waste and Recycling company team (City of Coachella Tournament), you have always been a fair,down to earth, straight forward boss and friend. You will truly be missed and will be always in our hearts. You and your family will be in our prayers. May you rest in peace Mike.

Roy & Francis Villarreal

December 11, 2012

Mike it was an honor and privilege to have been a part of your life and family. You are a true example and role model of how every man, husband and dad should be. I thank you for never passing judgement on me and always having a big smile and hug when you seen me. Till we meet again....

Monique Ahumada

December 11, 2012

Mike it was an honor a privledge to have been a part of your life and family. You are a true example and role model of how every man,husband, dad should be. I thank you for never passing judgement on me and always having a big smile and hug when you seen me. Till we meet again.....

December 11, 2012

Mike, your smile and laughter will be truly missed, but all your love and goodness will live on forever within Cindy and all your little ones. Even when we hadn't seen each other for long periods of time, we were always "FAMILIA" to you and Cindy. I will always remember you as one HAPPY guy! Rest in peace....and keep on dancing!!!

Leticia Saldana

December 11, 2012

Mike and I had so many great memories from working at Tri-co/Burrtec together. Mike was one heck of a person, with one heck of a heart. I could honestly say we lost a one of a kind, wonderful man. To his wife Cindy, and the entire Rhodes family, I am sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike you will forever be in my heart, and missed, Rest In Peace my friend.

Gilbert Vaca

December 11, 2012

Even though it was time for you to say goodbye to your family & friends, you left us all with wonderful memories & will always be in our hearts..you were always the life of the party & could make anyone laugh..you were an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend..you will truly be
missed..Love you

Tami Valentine

December 10, 2012

Mike, you were always a true friend, always happy and of course always had your smile on. Meeting you in school for the first time, it was impossible not to like you. When I heard the news my heart was heavy with sadness. Mike will be missed by many family and friends, your friend Dave.

David Rollins

December 10, 2012

Mike you were a true friend and a humble man of God you will truly be missed I'm proud to have known you. My heart goes out to you Cindy & family.

Gerald Carranza

December 10, 2012

Valerie Warhop

December 10, 2012

Mike you were a true friend and a humble man of God you will truly be missed I'm proud to have known you. My heart goes out to you Cindy & family.
Gerald Carranza (Rubidoux,Ca)

Gerald Carranza

December 10, 2012

My Uncle Mike...Even though you are my Uncle, we have always been friends first. I have so many fond memories. The one I cherish the most is our road trip from Ohio to California. PRICELESS...You would probably agree. No matter how far I lived away or how long we were apart our special friendship remained.

You grew up to be such a successful, wonderful Man, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend. I am so blessed to have had You in my life. You will always be in my heart, my Friend, my Uncle Mike.

Donna Robbins

December 10, 2012

Tio Mike a sweet,understanding,and loving Guy.he was one to always have a smile on his face with the twinkle in his eyes.he was an amazing person and we were all blessed to have him in our lives..the fact that he's in a better place now warms my heart because he's no longer in pain and suffering.
He made a great impact on everyone's lives.Tio Mike I love and miss you very much...soon we will all be reunited.

Katelynn saldana

December 9, 2012

Mike was a rare kind of person who was admired and respected by everyone he knew and those he worked with at Burrtec. He was generous with his time & knowledge and inspired us all to be our best self. His family was everything to him. Mike was a great role model to all of us and even in his final battle, he showed us how important his faith was and how God was truly his strength. That was his final gift to us all. May God bless the Rhodes family and comfort you in your time of loss. Mike was blessed with all of you and your loving care for him in his time of need.

Eileen Shane

December 9, 2012

(MIKE), Cindy and all of your children and grand children - I write this message of condolence with a saddened heart - Mike and Cindy always made such a lovely couple and each bore the deepest respect and love - each for the other. I, one of many wish to pay homage to Mike, remember him, and celebrate his life - no more pain - no more suffering, and now at long last -"PEACE".

Don Saylor

December 9, 2012

I have many memories of us as children... even though you are my cousin Pam and Jeff's uncle, you were born only 2 weeks before me and we all grew up together. I remember your smile, your gentleness and your big heart. You are going to be missed -- Debbie

December 9, 2012

Blessed to have known you Mike, you were a man to be admired. I've always respected you for the good husband, father and friend that I knew you to be. You were a blessing to many and now a blessing to heaven.
My love and prayers go out to Cindy and the family, Gods love, light and peace to you all, in the name of Jesus.

Mandy Sandoval

December 8, 2012

Truly a blessing to have known you all these years...brother-in-law,friend,homie. They don't come any better than you Big Mike. You'll be missed as much as you were loved. Rest in peace now....

Jose Saldana

December 8, 2012

What more can one say? Big Mike...brother-in-law, great friend, my homie. All around stand up person. Truly a blessing to have known you all these years. You truly will be missed Carnal. Love you...

Jose Saldana

December 8, 2012

Lidia Villarreal

December 8, 2012

We know he is with our My we We know he is with our Lord, My prayers our with the Family & all the friends that will miss him & need the strength to go forward without him, may his way of life in his giving, loving & care of others be a reminder of how we should live our own life. R.I.P Mike & God be with you Cindy & Rhoades Family.

Sharon Bailon

December 8, 2012

One of THE most amazing men i knew in this world. Outstanding father,husband,and friend,plus so much more..Your warm smiles and contiagious laughter will be missed beyond anyone can imagine. Heaven has added another amazing Angel. Its not Good bye, its Ill see u later friend!! Another pair of Silver and Black wings,for his beloved RAIDERS. Up in heaven a stadium of celebration and everlasting life.u have the best sit in the house .You will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to The Rhodes family.

Michele Ortega Sauceda

December 8, 2012

With much Love and Respect for this great man. His smile will be miss. Our Condolences go out to the Rhodes family. God Bless, from Jennie Caballero & Family.

Jennie Hernandez Caballero

December 8, 2012

What an amazing person to have in our lives and now one more angel watching over us from heaven! I may not have called him "tio" but that's what he is and will always be to me! Love you Big Mike and Love you Rhodes family!!

Christina Torres

December 8, 2012

My thoughts and prayers to the family.. I was shocked when I found out, such a great man and touched so many lives. I love you guys you were my new Lil family when I was younger.... You also were there when I lost my mom. He will always be here and in our hearts. Xoxo

Raquel Rosiles

December 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family and friends. Mike was just a great guy. I am fortunate to have had the privelege of working with him over the past few years. Mike's smile and sense of humor made every day just a little bit better.

Kenn Stevens

December 5, 2012

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Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504

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