Sharon Ruth Rhodes

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Ruth Reitler Rhodes, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, at the age of 74 on June 3, 2025 surrounded by family and loved ones. Born in Denver, CO to Bill and Lilian Reitler on November 3, Sharon lived a life filled with love, kindness, and a passion for many interests. She had a happy childhood playing in apple orchards with her sister Carol and their close friends. She attended Slater Elementary, Manning Junior High and Wheat Ridge High School then completing her education at Colorado State University. Her life was full of interests that she explored. She enjoyed gardening and nurturing a garden full of clean natural beauty. She was a dedicated teacher and avid reader. She spent her amazing career at Dunstan Middle School teaching from 1972 - 2009, then educated for 3 more years at McLain Community High School. Her influence and achievements in education were recognized in 2005 when she was awarded the title of Colorado History Teacher Of The Year.

She excelled at sewing, cooking, knitting and crocheting. She thoroughly enjoyed golfing and traveling with family. She was a lifelong member of Lakewood United Methodist Church with strong devotion. Having strong faith and maternal instincts, Sharon raised, mentored, taught a number of children, including her own, who have grown into better people with her care and love. Her love and care also extended to her many cherished dogs. Sharon and Dave were married for 53 years building and living an extraordinary life together. Sharon relished retirement and the ability to enjoy time doing the things she loved with the people she loved, making them truly golden years.

As a wife, mother, grandmother, she leaves behind her husband David and a legacy of her two sons, Branden and Darren, daughters in law Nga and Kelli and four beloved grandchildren Blake and Kira and Drake and Daxton. She is also survived by her younger sister Carol Ann Reitler Gutke, Brother-in-law Mark Gutke, Nephew Michael Gutke and his wife Erica Gutke and their two sons Marek and Madex and dear cousins Brent and Leslie Woolery.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 07, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Lakewood United Methodist Church. As Sharon loved flowers, they are a welcome addition to the service or donations can be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church. We will forever cherish the memories we shared with Sharon, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Lakewood United Methodist Church.

A funeral service for Sharon will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1390 Brentwood St, Lakewood, CO 80214, followed by a reception from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

Serving as pallbearers are Jerry Ruxton, Steve Lefkowitz, Al Brovsky, Paul Beller, Bill Warner and David Truong.