Janet Sue Rhodes (née Shelton), 89, a woman enchanted by a love of life who delighted in fresh adventures and new friends, died on January 9, 2026, in Lisle, Illinois.
Janet was born on September 14, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Julian Shelton and Maribelle Schirk Shelton. From an early age, her creative spark and zest for living were unmistakable. As a child, she studied ballet, loved ice skating, and produced neighborhood plays—early signs of the artistic, curious, and joyful spirit that would define her life.
She was a graduate of Oak Park River Forest High School and attended Michigan State University. Janet later married Richard Steward Rhodes; though the marriage ended in divorce, together they raised four sons who remained the great pride of her life.
Professionally, Janet built a career in information technology related to aviation, a field that reflected both her intelligence and her appetite for innovation and adventure. Among her many memorable experiences was accompanying the FAA Director on a midnight Y2K flight—an anecdote she relished sharing.
Janet lived in Lisle, Illinois; Decatur, Georgia; Long Beach, California; St. Charles, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, leaving a trail of friendships and community connections wherever she went. Her passions were many and richly expressed: painting watercolors, playing the hammer dulcimer and harp, acting and dancing, and writing—she proudly published three children's books. Parks were among her favorite places, often echoing with the sound of her dulcimer.
A committed and compassionate community advocate, Janet was a founding member of the Drop-In Center (now UCO) at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Long Beach, California, which provides meals and services to unhoused persons. She also co-founded the One-Day Christmas Store, offering dignified shopping experiences for families in need, and helped establish an annual memorial service honoring those who died while without a home. Janet was a steadfast advocate and supporter of gay and trans communities, living her values through action and friendship.
Those who loved Janet will remember her precocious and zesty spirit. She delighted in brightly colored clothes, crazy socks, and hats—especially those festooned with daisies, her favorite flower. She found joy in befriending people and inviting them into spirited adventures to gardens, shows, fairs, and quirky explorations of oddities. Her life included tutoring disadvantaged children, teaching nuns the art of liturgical dance, membership in the Art Institute of Chicago, and countless moments of laughter and connection.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Maribelle Shelton. She is survived by her four sons: Thomas (Cynthia) Rhodes, Timothy (Cheryl) Rhodes, Daniel (Katherine) Rhodes, and David (Berena) Rhodes; her sister Pat (Virgil) Schlough; her brother Gary Shelton; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Family services are planned for the spring in St. Louis, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church (UCC), Long Beach, California, to benefit ministries serving people experiencing homelessness.
First Congregational Church (UCC)
241 Cedar Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Janet was born on September 14, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Julian Shelton and Maribelle Schirk Shelton. From an early age, her creative spark and zest for living were unmistakable. As a child, she studied ballet, loved ice skating, and produced neighborhood plays—early signs of the artistic, curious, and joyful spirit that would define her life.
She was a graduate of Oak Park River Forest High School and attended Michigan State University. Janet later married Richard Steward Rhodes; though the marriage ended in divorce, together they raised four sons who remained the great pride of her life.
Professionally, Janet built a career in information technology related to aviation, a field that reflected both her intelligence and her appetite for innovation and adventure. Among her many memorable experiences was accompanying the FAA Director on a midnight Y2K flight—an anecdote she relished sharing.
Janet lived in Lisle, Illinois; Decatur, Georgia; Long Beach, California; St. Charles, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, leaving a trail of friendships and community connections wherever she went. Her passions were many and richly expressed: painting watercolors, playing the hammer dulcimer and harp, acting and dancing, and writing—she proudly published three children's books. Parks were among her favorite places, often echoing with the sound of her dulcimer.
A committed and compassionate community advocate, Janet was a founding member of the Drop-In Center (now UCO) at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Long Beach, California, which provides meals and services to unhoused persons. She also co-founded the One-Day Christmas Store, offering dignified shopping experiences for families in need, and helped establish an annual memorial service honoring those who died while without a home. Janet was a steadfast advocate and supporter of gay and trans communities, living her values through action and friendship.
Those who loved Janet will remember her precocious and zesty spirit. She delighted in brightly colored clothes, crazy socks, and hats—especially those festooned with daisies, her favorite flower. She found joy in befriending people and inviting them into spirited adventures to gardens, shows, fairs, and quirky explorations of oddities. Her life included tutoring disadvantaged children, teaching nuns the art of liturgical dance, membership in the Art Institute of Chicago, and countless moments of laughter and connection.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Maribelle Shelton. She is survived by her four sons: Thomas (Cynthia) Rhodes, Timothy (Cheryl) Rhodes, Daniel (Katherine) Rhodes, and David (Berena) Rhodes; her sister Pat (Virgil) Schlough; her brother Gary Shelton; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Family services are planned for the spring in St. Louis, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church (UCC), Long Beach, California, to benefit ministries serving people experiencing homelessness.
First Congregational Church (UCC)
241 Cedar Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90802
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Janet Sue Rhodes, please visit our flower store.
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