Elizabeth "Betty" Rhodes

Rhodes, Elizabeth (Betty) Harvey
93, of Tempe passed away on March 20, 2013. Betty was born in Council Grove, Kansas on September 21, 1919 to Dr. Lewis and Grace Harvey. She graduated from Baker University in 1940 and married John J. Rhodes in 1942 and moved to Williams Air Force Base where John was stationed during World War II. After the war they moved to Mesa with their two young sons, Jay and Tom, and John practiced law. In 1952 he was elected to Congress and they started a 30-year career balancing time between Washington, D.C. and Arizona. Elizabeth and Scott were born during the Washington years. After a brief career as a school teacher, Betty was a stay-at-home mom and an active volunteer. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter K in Mesa as well as First United Methodist Church, the Mahnah Club, and the Junior Women's Club where she served as president. In Washington she was an active member of The Congressional Club and The International Neighbors Club. She received the Arizona Heritage Award and the Unsung Hero Award.
A lifelong learner she enjoyed taking classes at Friendship Village and participating in a variety of programs there. She loved people of all walks of life and was an example to all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John J. Rhodes, and by her son John J. (Jay) Rhodes III. She is survived by her children, Thomas H. Rhodes (Chris), Elizabeth R. Reich (Frank), J. Scott Rhodes (Addy), daughter-in-law Jane Firor, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Visitation April 5, 2013 6:00 - 8:00pm Meldrum Mortuary 52 N. Macdonald St. Mesa. Memorial Service April 6, 2013 1:30pm Skirm Auditorium, Friendship Village 2645 E. Southern Ave. Tempe. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: The John and Betty Rhodes Scholarship Fund at A New Leaf www.turnanewleaf.org The Betty Rhodes Chair at Baker University www.bakeru.edu