Obituary
In God’s perfect timing, Alice Lorraine Rhodus, age 94, passed away in a very gentle and peaceful manner with her loving family beside her on November 1, 2022. She was born to Peter and Marie Eastman and raised in Klamath Falls Oregon.
She is survived by her daughter Ronda Nelson, her 2 grandchildren Rande McKellar and Trevor Nelson, and her 3 great grandchildren. Alice is also survived by her sister Elsie Howell, her brother Donald Eastman, and many nieces and nephews, all who loved her very much. Alice is predeceased by her loving husband of 46 years, Bert Rhodus, whom she referred to as “Deary”, her son Rodney Rhodus, her sisters Martha Dwight, Margaret Eastman, Carol Keesee, and brothers Richard Eastman, Bobby Eastman, and Johnny Eastman.
Alice married Bert in 1947 and moved to Crescent City. She worked with the telephone company for a while. Through the years she shared some pretty funny stories about that job but soon the time came when Alice and Bert decided to go into the feed business and opened the “Del Norte Feed” store. Many a person worked at the feed store including many nieces and nephews. When someone needed a job, Alice would convince Bert that they needed extra help. Together they ran their successful business for over 40 years before retiring.
Alice was also a conscientious community member, was active in “Soroptimist” for many years and served as president for some time. She had a great sense of humor and once gifted her old dental bridge which was wrapped so beautifully in the white elephant exchange.
She loved sports! Baseball, basketball, football! She was an avid Giants fan and preferred the 49ners over the Rams. But her most loved sports were the Del Norte and away games of family and friends, ages 5 years to 18 years. She went to those games until the last few years of her life.
Alice was a person who knew no stranger. Her home was located on Hwy 101, so throughout the years she had been privy to many travelers in need of assistance. Never once did she turn away a stranger in need regardless of the time of day or night. Much to her family's concern, especially as she became older, but she believed and lived by her belief that God is her protector. And He was. Many many times. She was indeed from another era.Alice was very active in her church until the last year of her life when age made mornings difficult. Back in the day, Alice and Bert were happy to be part of building the new Fort Dick Bible Church. Most noteworthy however, is the time Alice dedicated herself to serve young families by tending to the little ones every Sunday in the church nursery for 44 years. She retired at 90 years of age.
While we recognize many friends may be disappointed, there will be no memorial service presently, it is our duty to honor our loved ones wishes. This wish reflects her strong sense of independence as well as her strong sense of determination. She lived with humility; she also left us with humility.
Please be aware that we will be announcing a “Celebration of life” in the future.
Finally, we will miss Alice, also once known as Big Al, more than she ever dreamed, and we are so thankful for her life well lived, full of love, humor, humility, and grace.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Fort Dick Bible Church” (6725 Lake Earl Dr. Crescent City Ca. 95531) designated for the nursery.