Jean Perry Rhodes

About

University of Arizona

Jean Rhodes Obituary

Jean Perry Rhodes 95, died peacefully on March 15, 2009. She was born on the family farm in Phoenix on January 14, 1914 to Jessie Ingman and Will Stacy Perry. She spent her youth in Phoenix, attending Phoenix Union High School and Phoenix College. On August 25, 1937 she married Herbert Dawson Rhodes. They moved to Illinois where Herb completed his Ph.D., and worked as a research chemist. Daughter, Elizabeth Clare was born in Chicago in 1942. In 1943, Jean and Herb returned to Tucson, where Herb began his career at the University of Arizona. Son, William Stacy and daughter, Mary Louise, were born in Tucson. Jean was actively involved in the children's activities, the social duties that supported her husband's career, as well as caring for aging parents. Always interested in self improvement, Jean returned to college in her fifties, graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Spanish in 1969; in her eighties she learned to use a computer. Jean was active in faculty wives' organizations, St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, PEO, and as a volunteer in the community. She and Herb traveled widely, including Central and South America, Hawaii, Alaska, Haiti, Morocco and Africa. Jean is survived by her three children, Elizabeth Harding (Roger), W. Stacy Rhodes (Trish) and Mary Lindley; eight grandchildren, Megan, Daniel and Molly Lindley, Amanda Rhodes Ensor and Maggie and Max Rhodes, and Rick and Catherine Harding; and two great- granddaughters, Riley Jean Ensor (Amanda) and Malia Elizabeth Harding (Rick). Private burial services were held at East Lawn Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Rhodes

2 Entries

Paul Andersen

April 26, 2009

In tribute, I would like to write a few words in admiration of Jean Perry Rhodes. She was a fine resilient lady of the Great Southwest. I first met her when I was a member of The Tucson Boys Chorus along with Bill (Stacy) Rhodes. It was about the same time Elvis Presley was singing, "Don't be Cruel" and "Sputnik" was shaking up the U.S. education system. I visited Bill's Tucson home several times and I was always treated like royalty by Mrs. Rhodes and her family. It was wonderful observing the serenity and stability she provided her family. She was "Grace" personified. After our Tucson Boys Chorus days, Bill and I saw one another infrequently, but we never lost contact with each other's lives. As adults, we followed each other's family and career. We watched each other's family grow and prosper. The years passed. Bill was working at various exotic State Department assignments and I would write Mrs. Rhodes occasionally to catch up on the news. Mrs. Rhodes, Jean, as I began calling her in my middle age, would exchange letters with me and keep me informed of Tucson and family. What I admired and appreciated most, was her interest in my family and her willingness to take time from her busy schedule to keep in touch. A half century after those visits to her Tucson home, she still had an interest in my affairs. I still felt like I was being treated "as family". Jean Perry Rhodes for fifty years provided the grommets interlacing her family with mine through many cards and letters. From two of The Seven Sisters (Mt. Holyoke and Smith Colleges) to Occidental College, we formed another bond between our families. Jean and I often spoke of that bond. Was it a coincidence or fate that our children shared that experience? I believe that her love for those institutions instilled a desire in me as a parent to make that opportunity available to members of my family. Life works in mysterious ways. So, Jean Perry Rhodes, rest well, rest safely and rest serenely. I will see you always in my memory of Tucson sunsets. I will remember your kindness to a gangly, unsophisticated pre-teen of the 1950's who has made it all the way to the 21st century. Thank you for being one of my better Angels. You provided guidance, mentoring and love to me all along the way. Thank you for your support kind friend. I will miss you. Paul Lee Andersen

Helen Schaefer

March 29, 2009

John and I are sorry to learn of Jean's death. We always enjoyed
her company. Our sympathies to all of you.

Helen Schaefer

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results