Sandra Sandy Rodes

Sandy Rodes, at the age of 80 magnificent years, was called home to be with her Lord Jesus on November 11th, 2020 surrounded by her family.

Sandy was born September 2nd, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Lester and Maria (DePetro) Radiske. She was adopted by Bernie and Eva Clare Weber at the age of five and was raised by them in Hannah, Michigan. She graduated from St. Mary's of Hannah School and went to Northwestern Michigan College. She was happily married to Jack Rodes for 60 years and had four children.

As a young girl Sandy was raised on a dairy farm where she learned to work hard at a very young age. As an adult she put that work ethic to good use by volunteering as "Room Mother" for all 4 of her children and later taking on roles as PTA President and working in the school cafeteria. She helped Jack run a successful Sno-Scoop business and took pride in a well kept home.

Sandy was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Jack and Sandy were married for 60 years and never started or ended a day without a kiss and saying I love You. They taught the family the importance of a relationship with God. Worshiping God at Mass, daily prayer and serving others were an integral part of family life. She welcomed many into their home whether it was the friends of her kids and grandkids (making Christmas cookies or splashing in the pool on a hot summer day) or extra people around the Thanksgiving and Easter Dinner table. She treated everyone like part of her family. Her family and friends also reaped the benefits of her love of sewing, knitting, quilting and canning or any other craft or talent she decided to take on.

Sandy had a deep love and devotion to God. She poured her heart and soul into her Catholic Church and School starting with St. Mary's of Hannah where she grew up and went to school. She was a member of the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary for all 4 years of High School and she had the honor of crowning the Blessed Mother in her senior year along with her lifelong friend Betty Lou Reamer. In her adult life she attended St. Francis Church for almost 60 years. You would find her serving in many roles including Vice President of the Altar Society and working at the Parish Festivals, Christmas Bazaars and Bake Sales with her long time friend Shirley Schopieray. For many years she took care of the gardening around the Church grounds and did the Parish Bulk mailings. She and Jack spent many Friday's cooking meals for the Parish Priests which they delivered to the Rectory. Her dedication earned her the honor of "St. Francis Parish Woman of the Year"

She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household. . . She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:"Many are the women of proven worth, but you excelled them all." Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Acclaim her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates. (Proverbs 31)

She is survived by her husband Jack and their children Nan (Jeff) Niewiadomski, Christine Rodes, Joe Rodes, Julie Rodes, Grandchildren Jennifer (Ryan) Davis, Josh (Jenn) Niewiadomski, Erin Rodes and Kyle Rodes, Great Grandchildren Joseph and Sawyer Hill, her beloved dog Missy, many dear relatives and close friends along with numerous furry and feathered friends.

Her Heavenly welcoming committee included her birth Parents, Maria & Lester Radiske, her adopted Parents, Bernie & Eva Clare Weber, her Brother, Don Radiske and her family-in-law Tony and Pauline Rodes and many relatives and friends.

Sandy's final message to all of us was "Don't be sad that I am gone. Be glad for the time we shared together."

The family sends it heartfelt gratitude to Heartland Hospice (Dr. Best, Kitty, Jesse, Missy, Qui, Nick and Arminda just to name a few) for the exceptional care that Sandy and the entire family received in the last few weeks of Sandy's life. They also owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Ethan VanTil and Dr. John Stratton for the many years of loving care they gave Sandy.

Due to new COVID restrictions, a private Catholic Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Francis Catholic Church for the immediate family only. The family is planning to host a celebration of her life in the upcoming warmer months, pending COVID protocol, and will give proper notification as soon as it is able to be planned. They eagerly look forward to that day. You can view the Funeral Mass and service via video on the St. Francis of Assisi Parish website or their Facebook page at your convenience. In lieu of flowers, Sandy requested that any donations be sent to the Cherryland Humane Society,1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686 ( www.cherrylandhumane.org ) or St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St. Traverse City, MI 49684 ( www.sfparish.org .)

Sandy and her family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home