George Warren Rhodes

George was born Wednesday, November 26, 1925, to Henry Edwin and Alice Eva Rhodes in Sacramento, California. Our precious George lost his battle with cancer Tuesday, March 12, 2019, quietly while at home with his loving wife and family nearby. At the time of his death, George was 93 years-old.

George, a life-loving perpetual optimist whose default was “happy”, frequently laughed; often thinking of something clever to say that would at the very least bring delighted smiles to those honored enough to be in his company.

George attended Sacramento Junior and Senior High Schools. He was in the graduating class of 1944. George was not a spectator in life, he was a loving and willing participant. He enjoyed acting in school plays, running track, and student government. George was a member of the school Senate and a three-time class president.

In 1944, our country was engulfed in World War II. George’s desire to serve persevered. He was inducted in the Army where he was positioned as a guard over prisoners of war. After the war, George pursued college; however, his plans to complete college were thwarted due to the illness and death of his father.

George married and had two children, who he greatly and unconditionally loved.

George continued to move forward not allowing himself to be defined by life’s disappointments; always in the race for the long haul.

George performed several jobs before gaining employment with McClellan Air Force Base, working as an Inventory Management Specialist of F1-11s. It was there that he met and married Ruth, his loving and treasured wife of 34 years.

George was predeceased by his father Henry, his mother Alice, and his brother Charles, who he “idolized”. George is survived by his wife Ruth Rhodes, his brother Wally Rhodes (Mary Ellen); his children Stanley Rhodes (Janet) and Kathy Rhodes (Stanley); step-children Trudy Uitti, Teresa Bors (Louis), and Linus Rapien; grandchildren Kevin Rhodes (Michelle), Todd Rhodes, Sarah Black (Morgan), Matthew Rhodes (Emily), Gregory Rhodes (Erin); step-grandchildren Rebecca Keller, Nicole Bors Galford (Damien), Christine Bors; great-grandchildren (Kevin and Shawna) Hannah, Caleb, Rebekkah, Joshua, Elijah, Jedidiah, (Todd and Tammy) Macy, Delaney, Jacob, (Gregory and Erin) Freya Rhodes, and (Damien and Nicole) Everett and Fiona Galford; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Perpetually focusing on the positive, George walked this life being a good soul taking care not to cause intentional harm. He is a soul that resists the negative and delights in humor, family, and friends. Sweet George, we greatly love and miss your sparkling eyes, your loving smile and comforting hugs. Until we see you again, forever our love.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the American Cancer Society. You can donate online by going to: https://donate3.cancer.org or calling 800-227-2345.

The family wants to especially acknowledge and send special thanks to VITAS Hospice. Their loving efforts and streamlined processes provided an amazing level of comfort and care for both George and attending family members. We appreciate you more than we could ever possibly express.

A memorial service has been scheduled to honor George. Details follow:

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Date: Friday, March 29, 2019

Location: Light of the Hills Lutheran Church

3100 Rodeo Road

Cameron Park, California 95682