Elia Imelda "Mellie" Rodriguez

Elia Imelda "Mellie" Rodriguez, age 66, of Portage, IN passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
She was born on July 6, 1959 in Gary, Indiana to Alberto and Gloria (Cardoza) Magallan from San Juan, TX.
Elia is survived by her high school sweetheart of 47 glorious years, her devoted husband, Florencio "Flo" Rodriguez Jr.; children, Adrienne L. (Daniel) Rodriguez-Aranda, Sergio Ramon Rodriguez, and Guadalupe "LuLu" Rodriguez; grandson, Cruz Aranda; brothers, Alberto (Kathleen) Magallan Jr., Gerardo (Tamara) Magallan, and Freddy (Pauline) Magallan; sisters, Hortensia "Tencha" (Jose) Rubalcava and Rosalinda "Rosie" (Victor) Olague; and a host of loving nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents and sister, Ernestina "Tina" Solis.
Elia was an avid cross country runner at East Chicago Washington High School. In true runner fashion she quickly took off and began her career in downtown Chicago as an Administrative Manager. When the journey of life shifted she adjusted her pace. Her greatest pivot was entering motherhood. As a working mom she leaned into her passions as a Creative Florist at Bryan's Florist & a Baker at Glen Park Bakery.
Elia faithfully served the Lord & remained a loyal member of the Household of Israel. But her most cherished role was being Mother Extraordinaire to "LuLu" and always remaining a disability advocate for children with special needs.
Friends may visit with the family at Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, located at 613 Washington St., Michigan City, IN on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. There will be an additional visitation on Monday, November 10, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am with an Officiating Elder of Household of Israel. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens in Michigan City, IN.