Ronald Michael Rhodes

Passed away suddenly on January 19 at Fairfax Hospital

Born December 5, 1939 to Richard & Mabel Rhodes in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. As a young man, Mike wrecked his dad's car and before he even returned home, he enlisted in the Army Reserves. Mike served three years spending most of his time in Germany and Hawaii. Upon an honorable discharge, and following in his father's footsteps, Mike applied to be a Pennsylvania State Trooper. Luckily, he was put on a waiting list; so he came a little south and applied to the DC Police Force where his life began. It was here in DC that Mike would catch the eye of a young brown-haired Liverpudlian girl waitressing at Bassin's. Mike and Elizabeth (Lynn) married in March of 1965. They soon started their family with the birth of Ronald Michael, Jr. and Mark Ellis - only 11 months apart. Their family was complete with the birth of their daughter, Kristine Marie in 1970. Mike was a member of the DC Police Department from 1963-1984. Retiring at such a young age, Mike had plenty of time to start a second career as a house painter which lasted for roughly the next 25 years. His youngest son, Mark, joined him and the two of them built quite the list of returning customers. Mike was a perfectionist and meticulous in all that he did - paying attention to every detail. These qualities — matched with a very friendly, warm personality — made his second career as a painter - perfect.

Although a little intimidating in his younger years, Mike was kind, polite, funny, had a wonderful personality and was friendly to all. Even on his last day, while in excruciating pain, he was thanking the medical staff and smiling. Mike led a simple life and was never one for anything fancy. Purchases were made with a lot of research ahead of time. He was a hard worker during both of his careers. He was a wonderful companion to Lynn and cared for her with love and tenderness. He loved his spearmint gum, doing crossword puzzles, looking up new recipes, exercising, watching a good movie, and watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy religiously. As his children started having children, his heart grew even bigger for his five grandchildren. When his grandchildren were younger, Mike could be found at baseball games, track meets, school performances, wrestling meets, football games, lacrosse games, dance recitals, or just in the carpool line to pick up his grandkids from school. As his grandchildren got older and became adults, with a twinkle in his eye - he delighted in hearing about their latest triumph or adventure. Mike loved a good meal, tasty dessert, a cup of black coffee, and a Busch Light (PBR back in the day), but his greatest love was the love and pride he had for his family. Whether dad, grandad, husband, or friend - he was the best of the best!

Over the decades, Mike faced various health problems, but was always such a good patient and did everything the doctors told him to do. Change his diet, quit smoking, exercise - he did it all! He was mentally, emotionally, and physically strong his whole life. His body had been through a lot in the last 6-12 months, and he was hopeful for a fresh start in 2025, but it was not meant to be. Mike's sudden passing is a huge loss to those he loved and who loved him back. Those affected with his passing take comfort that he is no longer in pain, and will continue to keep his memory alive through the many wonderful memories.

Mike is predeceased in death by his brother Richard Cecil and leaves behind his wife, Lynn (of almost 60 years), children Mike, Mark (Nancy), Kristine (Bo) and his five grandchildren Matthew, William, Megan, Patrick and Abbie. As was recently said, Mike's legacy is his beautiful and good grandchildren.

A celebration of his life for family and friends will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Fraternal Order of Police, Alzheimer's Association or Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association.