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BORN
1947
DIED
2015
Stefanie Rhodes Obituary
Portland, Oregon
Stefanie Ann Messenger Rhodes, age 67, longtime resident of Portland, Oregon died of lung cancer on February 9th.
Born - along with her twin brother Steven - in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 10, 1947, to Jean (Replogle) and Don Messenger. Stefanie lived in Iowa for many years, working as a grant writer for the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, and later co-founded the C&M Communication Corp, a local Des Moines print production shop.
In the 1980s, Stefanie moved to southern California, where she met and married Ronald Rhodes. While the two enjoyed the sun and their friends, ultimately, the traffic and hectic pace pushed them to move to the Portland area. Here, they built a life together that centered on creating natural gardens which were inviting habitats for birds. Their yard was certified as a wildlife sanctuary by the National Wildlife Federation, and the couple spent many hours filling bird feeders and tracking the various visitors to their yard. They frequently participated in the Great Backyard Bird count organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Stefanie is survived by her son, Charles Jones of Chula Vista, CA, grandchildren Montse and Diego Salas-Jones, her brother Steven of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a small group of heart-broken friends. In 2007, Ronald preceded Stefanie in death.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Providence Portland Hospice or the Portland Audubon Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stefanie Rhodes
Melissa Kirchoffer-Talbott
March 1, 2025
This morning, I get this message, Remembering Stefanie Rhodes. Funnily enough, I was thinking of Stefanie just yesterday -- after she passed, we were given the option to take some "mementos" of her and my children and I chose a couple of her garden figurines. Yesterday morning, following the strong winds we have been experiencing, her fox had fallen over. I set it back up, all the while smiling at the good times we had all spent together. We miss you, Stefanie.
Melissa Kirchoffer-Talbott
September 9, 2023
We think of Stefanie quite often and reminisced about our time with her last night. She was a wonderful friend to my parents who were her and Ron's neighbors; she always had a smile, a laugh, and an incredibly warm and welcoming heart. My children and I miss her dearly.
Maryann Wright
March 1, 2023
She was an amazing person. I may not have been the best I should have been but I loved her then and now and I have many regrets. Rest peacefully my friend
Debbie Herrig
February 6, 2016
My heart was broken when I went to the internet to find a new address for Taffi because a letter I had sent her had been returned. Instead, I found her obituary. Taffi was my "Big Sis" when she lived in DSM, IA. I adored her and had the privilege of spending time with her and her son, when they were reunited. I will never forget her...she gave the absolute best hugs! Blessings to all who loved her that she left behind. I love you, Taffi! Lil' Sis
Montserrat Jones
March 29, 2015
Gee, where would I start? My grandma. I know I didn't get to see her much, but she was very special to me. She was kind hearted with the love of gardening. I will miss her very much.
Jeff Bradley
March 24, 2015
Stefanie, Taffi as I knew her, was a girl everyone liked. She was a enchanting person with a warm and kind spirit. A true joy to be with and I have only the fondest memories of Taffi. God bless you Taffi.
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