Dale Edwin Rhodes passed away at his residence in Gilbert, Arizona on July 29, 2020 at the age of 75. Dale, affectionately known by friends and family as "Dusty", was born in Monmouth, Illinois on September 2, 1944 to Albert LeeRoy and Dorothy Ilene (Kissick) Rhodes. He was their one and only beloved child.
Dusty grew up in Warsaw, Illinois. He often reminisced of stories that included building houses and doing stone work with his dad, working at the local gas station and getting into his fair share of mischief with childhood friends. He had a very special bond with his dad and worked alongside him for many years at International Harvester.
At the age of 22 he welcomed his only son, Craig Matthew Rhodes. He later married the love of his life, Elaine Moffet, and they blended their families which included Elaine's daughter, Kelli Rae Sherburne. Dusty and Elaine had two daughters of their own, Christina Marie and Lynsey Elise Rhodes.
He was very involved in his children's activities. Going to BMX and motocross races for his son, Craig. Attending concert performances for his daughter, Kelli. Coaching softball teams, countless hours outside practicing and traveling across country for Christina's tournaments. Taking Lynsey to gymnastics and never missing an opportunity to help her with a project.
Dusty and Elaine moved to Arizona for warmer weather and to be closer to family in 1992.
Dusty had a long list of hobbies and interests. He was a talented mechanic and spent most of his life restoring cars to show and sell. He was known for his ability to "fix anything" and prided himself on teaching his children those same abilities. He was especially proud that his girls could "keep up with the boys". He loved fishing, road trips (that he could navigate by memory from the days he spent driving semis cross country), exploring the desert on his four-wheeler, western movies and novels, old country music, watching sports, playing euchre and sitting side by side in his garage with his best buddy, Charlie, his chocolate lab. He most recently visited Craig in Florida and talked about that trip and his cherished memories at great length. Family and friends held a special place in his heart, he never met a stranger. He loved being the one his neighbors came to if they ever needed to borrow a tool or ask for a favor.
Dusty's grandchildren were the light of his life. He had a special love for babies and helped raised many of his grandchildren. He was always taking them on fun adventures and making them feel special. He found real joy in being the one to spoil them with endless treats. The treats may have actually been as much for him as they were for the little ones but they all loved it.
Dusty is survived by his wife Elaine, children Craig, Kelli, Christina (Ray Joseph), Lynsey (Nathan Wright), 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Dorothy and grandson Andrew.
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