Jean Rhodes Obituary (1940 - 2023)

Jean, my love of 50 years is gone. Evelynn Jean Rhodes, 83, of Parowan, Utah, died Thursday, July 6, 2023 of organ failure resulting from a fast-spreading infection. Her doctors and staff did the best they could. We met on a blind date the summer of 1973 both out of previous marriages and therein started a new faster paced life of the arts, opera, ballet, theater and travel to Spain, Mexico, and Alaska. At that time Jean was a hairdresser in Salt Lake City and later an owner and manager of The Courtyard, a large hair salon in Sugarhouse. Most importantly she readily adapted to the role of mother to my two young daughters Susan and Kathy. Jean told me stories of growing up in a blue-class family on the east side of Cedar City with her brother Bud and big sister Janise and later Gerry and Kendell. She had memories of corner-lot baseball, damming up Coal Creek for ice skating and fishing trips to Hidden Lake with her dad. Harry ran a shovel at the Iron mine and her mother Alvetta baked the best pies in Cedar. Both parents died of heart problems in their mid-forties. After a long and successful career as a hairdresser, Jean and I moved to Parowan in 1998 and built our new home. Being an avid reader Jean helped organize a book club which grew to 17 avid partiers. She has been active in the community and a good friend to many. We thank all those who have given us love and support and especially Teresa Taylor who has been there for us for years now. There are too many others to name. There will be a get-together to remember and honor Jean in the fall. Final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences may be left at www.mortuary.org.