Laura Mae Rhodes

1936 - 2019

Laura Mae Rhodes, 83, of Interlochen, passed away peacefully at home August 12, 2019.  She was born in Peoria, Illinois, to Earl and Eva Tipton on July 5, 1936. 

The family moved to Mancelona, Michigan, when Laura was a young child where she was raised with her 12 siblings.  She loved working on her Grandpa’s farm and helping her Grandma cook.

In 1955, Laura married Louis Rhodes Jr.  They made their home in Interlochen with their three children, Gerald, Terry, and Charlene. 

Laura was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  She took great pride in working their events and helping with the rodeo.  You could always find Laura at the ball field with her boys, keeping score and cheering them on.  Laura was loved by many and known to many as “Mom.” She loved to be with her grandchildren.  She took great pride in all of them.  Every spring you would find Laura in her flower beds with her daughter and granddaughters.  She could always find room for one more flower as her yard was one of her favorite places to be.  Laura loved to knit and crochet, making doilies for friends and family who cherish them.   Laura was an avid fan of Elvis Presley, old country music, westerns, and Hee Haw.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Gerald (Sheila) Rhodes, Terry (Melissa) Rhodes, and Charlene (John) Grzybowski; also by her grandchildren, Jonathin (Samantha) Grzybowski, Laurissa (Roger) Davis, Darren Rhodes, Jacob (Samantha) Daniels, Samantha Rhodes (Jayare Clark), Mariah (Daniel) Christy, and Travis Rhodes; her great-grandchildren Madison, Roger, Cedric, Danny, Jace, and Elijah; and many other family members and close friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Rhodes Jr.; her brothers, Sherm, William, Vernon, and sister Lulu.

A small intimate service will be held at a later date chosen by the family.

The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, is in charge of arrangements.

www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com