RHODES, Harry Wesley

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona - Published Saturday, January 15, 2011 - A celebration of the life of Harry Wesley Rhodes will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Islander RV Resort Recreation Hall. Harry passed away peacefully May 14, 2010, in Desert Springs Hospital, Las Vegas, Nev., from complications following open-heart surgery Jan. 18, 2010, in Lake Havasu City. He was born in Wynona, Okla., March 15, 1928, to Clell and Winnie (Quillin) Rhodes. Survivors include his wife, Sharron (Russell), at home; his mother; five children, five step children; 28 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father, stepfather, a daughter, and a great-granddaughter. He was an educator for more than 40 years, earning bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees in education from Oklahoma A&M, Stillwater, Okla. He was inducted into Who’s Who in American Education for innovative reading programs he established in the Peabody, KS Elementary Schools. He served as principal and/or superintendent of schools in several districts, but always considered himself a “teacher.” His sparkling eyes, quick wit, and infectious laugh sometimes hid the sharp intellect that gave him the ability to get to the heart of a problem and overcome its challenges. He was a member of the Elks, Masons, Shriners and Eagles. No matter where he lived, he was always involved with civic organizations such as Lions and Kiwanis. He served as president of the Pe Ell Kiwanis and was honored by Kiwanis International as distinguished president during his term. He is missed by his family and friends over the United States and Canada. His ashes will be scattered in places he loved in Washington, Montana, Oklahoma and Arizona.