Eleanor Charlene Rhodes' Obituary
Decatur- Eleanor Charlene Rhodes of Decatur passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from a brief illness.
A memorial gathering to celebrate her life will be held at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home in the Fireside Chapel on Saturday, May 23, 2009 from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com. If you would like to honor Charlene’s memory please make a memorial donation to the humane society, animal shelter, or a spay and neuter center in your local area.
Charlene was the first of seven children born to Charles Roy and Edna Van Middlesworth Rhodes on November 4, 1940. She graduated from St. Teresa High School and married Leslie James Russell in 1958. She became a licensed practical nurse in 1969 and worked in the geriatric field in local nursing homes in and around the Decatur area for 40 years. She was a lifelong Cubs fan, an avid reader; enjoyed cooking, decorating, gardening, the arts and finer things in life; was an animal welfare and civil rights advocate. She will be dearly missed by many.
She is survived by three daughters, Toni Russell Fuentes and partner Monty of Decatur; Lynn Russell and partner Brandy Landry of St. Gabriel, LA; and Lori Russell Keels and husband Bill of Walker, LA; four grandchildren, Donna Brumley of Findley, Ohio; Eddie Brumley of Decatur; Marie Hess of Anaheim, CA and Charles Swank of Walker, LA; one great-grand child, Amanda Brumley Fry of Findley, Ohio; and one great-great grand child Shamyla Brumley of Findley, Ohio. Also survived by five brothers and sisters, Stephen Rhodes and wife Esther of Georgetown, IL; Annamary Rhodes Kirkpatrick and husband Tom of Macon; Tim Rhodes and wife Irma of Decatur; Mark Rhodes and wife Carol of Decatur; and Jenny Rhodes Tertocha of Oconee, IL; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and her beloved pets Molly and Sheba.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Roy Rhodes Jr 1977; father, Charles Roy Rhodes Sr 2002; mother, Edna Mary Rhodes 2004, grandparents and many aunts and uncles.
The family wishes to express very special thanks to her dear friends Vicki and Mel for going above and beyond the call of duty, to Tara and all of the staff at Imboden Creek Living Center for the excellent care, love and support given to Charlene in her final days. Special thanks also go to Linda & Sonny Collins and Gayle & Kathy Potter of Carlyle, IL for their support.
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