Alberta M. Rhoads

Alberta Marie Rhoads, 98, of Leelanau County, passed away on December 13, 2014 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions, with family close by her side.

Alberta was born on April 4, 1916, the first of two daughters, to Howard and Alma Coleman, of Maple City, Michigan. Growing up, Alberta spent several of her summers working at Camp Kohana, where she waited tables. After completing her high school education, Alberta attended Central Michigan College in Mt. Pleasant, where she studied elementary education. She later taught at Sunny Lawn, near Breckenridge, in a one-room schoolhouse.

In 1944 she married Glenn Rhoads, son of Charles and Myrtie Rhoads of Wheeler, MI. The couple moved to Leelanau County in 1947 to help operate the family farm on the old Breithaupt Homestead, which was recently recognized as a Centennial Farm. Alberta was always willing to lend a hand on the farm, picking cherries, milking cows or simply providing hearty meals for the farm help. She also worked at a Christian bookstore in the 1960s. Together, Glenn and Alberta raised three children.

Ninety-Eight years old and less than five feet tall, this little lady lived every breath of her life for all it was worth. She was soft-spoken, full of beauty, grace, wisdom and wit. She had a warmth about her that made people feel welcome and accepted. Alberta was always involved in her church. She loved to knit, bake and garden. Her grandchildren cherish many memories of their "Gran" or "Grandma" such as the fresh bouquet she always had displayed, date nut cookies, hand written recipes on the kitchen wall, black forest cake, hand knit washcloths, purple ink, three bean salad and many card games around the dining room table. Gran would always serve up pancakes topped with applesauce and sour cream when the grandkids paid a visit and she was the only one who could make pizza with a Bisquick crust and Velveeta taste good. Those who knew her will remember Alberta for her quiet, confident nature. She was as gentle as she was brave. She was kind and she loved deeply. Alberta lived her life in a way that honored her Savior and invited and inspired others to do the same.

Alberta is survived by her children, Ron (Rebecca) Rhoads of Cedar, Robin (Pat) Patterson of Traverse City and Anne (Ted) Smith, also of Traverse City. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Scott (Aubrey) Smith, Kristin (Chris) Michalowski, Erin Rhoads, Tamara Rhoads, Heather (Ryan) Pfefferle, Amanda (Jason) Stuart, Ashley Patterson and Brad Patterson; and nine great grandchildren. Alberta was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lena, and her husband and best friend, Glenn Rhoads.


Visitation for friends and family will be held at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home Sunday, December 21st from 4-7 PM and Monday, December 22nd from 11 AM - 12 noon at Traverse Bay United Methodist Church (Dec 22 would have been their 70th wedding anniversary). A celebration of Alberta's life will be held Monday, December 22nd at 12 PM, at Traverse Bay United Methodist Church (1200 Ramsdell St.) with Pastors Jane Lippert and Ted W. Smith officiating. Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Grand Traverse Pavilions, 1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories of Alberta with the family.