Eleanor Helen Rhodes

Eleanor Helen Rhodes of Portage was born July 30, 1933, in Coloma, the daughter of Adolph and Pauline (Oxner) Zass. Eleanor passed away peacefully at the age of 91, on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at the Villa at Borgess Place in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Eleanor spent much of her career in the meatpacking industry in California before returning to Michigan, where she dedicated 30 years of faithful service to Menasha Packaging Company in Coloma before retiring. She was a devoted member of the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartford and later joined St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage.

Eleanor will be lovingly remembered by her son, Michael Rhodes, and his wife, Julie, as well as her two cherished granddaughters: Taylor M. Rhodes and Mia J. Rhodes, all of Mattawan, Mich. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Henry Zass and Albert Zass.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. Pastor David C. Rau will officiate at a celebration of life service at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, at the funeral home. Following the service, Eleanor will be buried in Hill Cemetery in Lawrence Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church or Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church. To leave condolences for the family, please visit http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.