Elaine Dixon Rhodes, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on April 1, 2023, at her home in Taylorsville, Utah surrounded by family.
Born on September 15, 1928, in Payson, Utah, and raised in nearby Spanish Fork, Utah, Elaine was the second of six children born to Charles Hyrum Dixon and True Call Dixon.
Elaine danced her way through this life to the fullest in every way. She attended Brigham Young University for 2 years and transferred to Utah State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in dance with a minor in clothing and textiles. She used these gifts throughout her life in service to others and in her career. She was hired by Jordan High School as a dance and home economics teacher. In the evenings, she taught dance classes at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio.
She had an adventurous spirit and left her teaching jobs to work on the California Zephyr (a train) as a Zephyrette, traveling between Chicago, Illinois and Oakland, California.
After 5 years, her desire to seek another adventure took Elaine to Mannheim, Germany. There, she worked at the Army Service Clubs at Coleman Barracks-- coordinating day trips and shows for those serving in the US Army. It was there that she met the love of her life, Graham Warner Rhodes, who was serving as a Private in the US Army.
Graham and Elaine were married December 14, 1959, in Sandhofen, Germany in the office of the Bürgermeister. They were later sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple on June 9, 1962.
Once Graham was released from his duties in the army, they moved to the Long Beach area of California, where they lived for 5 years before settling in the San Diego, California area for 53 years. Elaine taught dance at Grossmont High School for 13 years and retired at age 55. She continued dancing by belonging to dance clubs with Graham and joining the Happy Hoofers.
Elaine’s priority was always her family. She taught her children to love God, to seek education, and to take every opportunity to explore and discover their talents. She was an attentive daughter, a loving sister, and enjoyed having her children and grandchildren visit. Her commitment to and love for her family were always evident by the sacrifices she made to ensure her family’s happiness.
A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elaine served in many callings. She was a loyal supporter of Graham in all his callings and his employment. She was loved and respected by all whom she served and met along life’s journey.
Elaine followed the teachings of Christ and lived a life filled with charity. Her good nature and kind spirit drew many to her. She never passed up a moment to make others feel seen, whether in animated conversation with strangers in a restaurant, on a plane, in a store, or while travelling the world with Graham. Elaine and Graham shared a beautiful love story. They showed, by example, how to love one another and laugh through the tough times.
Graham and Elaine moved to Taylorsville, Utah in August 2021 and have enjoyed living close to children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Elaine is survived by her husband, Graham Warner Rhodes, her daughter and four sons: Dionne, (Greg Tarpenning), Graig (Susie), Vaughn (Lisa), Brian (Kim), and Kevin; Suzanne: sisters Linda Lundgren and Portia (Lee) Mandel; 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 12 Noon
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3555 W. 5620 S.
Taylorsville, Utah 84129
Visitation 11:00am – 11:45am before the service
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the Missionary Fund or Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Interment will be in the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park in Bluffdale, Utah on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Those wishing to view the COMPLETED services via Zoom can click "Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/jOGov1RwjubzU-157CUqPuBRQb5DxAWC6c1eZlm6tP4gvQwzdI07Ez14Dp9BNBk._SPGDfqAcVr76wOn?startTime=1680976183000
We loved Elaine. Her family truly loved her. Graham has been an angel caring for her. We love you
Dear Graham and family, It has been such a pleasure getting to meet and associate with you and your family. What an excellent example you set for showing love and compassion to your dear sweet wife and mother. We all admired you in how you cared for Elaine. Please accept my deep felt condolences at this sad time. We love you. Summit Vista resident.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sweetheart, and mother, even though you knew that she could not regain her youth in this life. My prayers are for you and your family, that the Lord may give you the peace and comfort. that you need and surround you with the arms of his love.
As you know, the change that we call "death" is actually the beginning of Eternity. And those who have lived a righteous life, doing their best according to the light and knowledge that they have, have no need to fear.
Sweet Elaine is free of her mortal body, which had become a handicap to her, and now her spirit is very much alive and alert and she is able to dance again in the sunshine of Heaven.
May God be with you till you meet her again.
Yvette Longstaff
Graham, we are so sorry for your loss. Since meeting you and Elaine, we truly loved you both. You so lovingly took care of Elaine, and she always had a smile for everyone. We wish you comfort and peace.
Graham, at this difficult time our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We will always remember your loving example of compassion. We feel very privileged for being able to have become acquainted with you and Elaine. You are so well loved here at Summit Vista!
What an honor it has been to have met and known Elaine though for too short a time. Graham you have been a true inspiration to all of us in your commitment and devotion to your beautiful bride. Until you both dance once again together in heaven with perfect, eternal health and happiness.
Dear Graham and Family,
What a beautiful love the two of you shared. You truly are an inspiration to us. May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you have made together.
I have loved watching Elaine and Graham as they have loved and served each other.
The patience and kindness they shared was clearly evident, even as Elaine declined.
What a wonderful legacy to leave for your children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. What wonderful memories Graham and Elaine have given you !
Our sincere condolences - Becky & David Erickson
You are a saint! Your care for Elaine and was wonderful. May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Dear Graham, what a pleasure it had been watching you devotedly taking care of your sweet wife. You are an example to all. I pray you well find comfort and peace in knowing she is in a beautiful place and some day you well join her.Colleen Green
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. We are in Tucson for the blessing of our first great child. Wish we could be with you. Keep on dancing.. we love you.
Our prayers are with you for peace and comfort through through this very tender time. Thank you for your beautiful example of Service and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are truly better because we knew Elaine and we know you.
Sincerely,
Gary & Dixie