Michael Joseph Rhodes

Rhodes, Michael Joseph
Michael Joseph Rhodes, 69, after challenging the ravages of ALS for the past two years finally succumbed to the disease on Friday, February 4, 2011. Mike, as we all knew him, left this world with his dignity and dry sense of humor intact. He did so with the help of his ever present and loving wife, Bonnie, their children, Jeff and wife, Nicole, Sali and husband Jeff Durfee, his grandchildren, Michael, Jacob, Shane, Ty, and Trey, Mike's sister, Diane Smith, and husband, Bennie, and a cadre of friends, neighbors, and co-workers who would not let the disease extinguish his hope and spirit. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Ernestine Rhodes. Mike was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on July 11, 1941. His family moved to Phoenix in 1954. He graduated from St Mary's High School in 1959 and earned his architectural degree from ASU in 1965. He served in the Arizona Air National Guard from 1965 to 1971. Mike pursued a long and respected professional architectural practice in Arizona, creating many beautiful structures before retiring in 2006. Mike was a quiet, honest man who loved his wife, family, his grandsons, and friends. He excelled in his vocation of architecture, enjoyed golf, his cabin in Christopher Creek, and relished life in particular. For all of us who knew him he will be sorely missed but not forgotten. Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Church of Our Lady of the Angels at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Kim Keith, his physical therapist and the entire staff of Evercare Hospice for their supportive role. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's name to the ALS Foundation or Evercare Hospice.