Mary Ellen Rhodes, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Courtoise) Waters was born February 12, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri. She passed away on Friday, May 24, 2019, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 12 days.

Ellen was raised in the St. Louis area until she was 14 years old. Ellen moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, to live with her brother, where she attended Shenandoah High School, and began working for Henry Fields Nursery. On October 13, 1951, Ellen was united in marriage to James T. Rhodes in Shenandoah. They soon moved to Red Oak, and into the house that James built for them. Ellen worked for Union Carbide Battery Company in the late 1950's. She enjoyed embroidering and crocheting. Ellen was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and especially loved their lunch bunch birthday club. Ellen continued to live in the home James built for them until her death.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James on January 8, 2012; two sisters: Vada Skiles and Gladys Goad; four brothers: Ervin, Ivan, Clinton and James.

Ellen is survived by two daughters: Sheree Rhodes of Red Oak, IA and Carol Rhodes of Des Moines, IA; nieces, nephews, other relative and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Red Oak

Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak

Rosary will be held at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 7:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to your charity of choice in Ellen's name.Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.