OBITUARY
Rhea A. Adgate
June 23, 1927 – July 18, 2012
Rhea Ann Adgate of Ann Arbor, Michigan went to be with her loving Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 after battling cancer. God truly sustained her with his gracious presence and the support of family, friends, and caring medical professionals. We all rejoice that she now has full healing and “the joy of the Lord is her strength.” Rhea was born in Goodrich, Michigan, June 23, 1927. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Fern Yerkey and three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her three children: Steve & Ellen Adgate of Wisconsin, Bob & Ronda Adgate of Virginia and Ann & Dale Duckworth of Indiana as well as nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Rhea attended Michigan State University and earned a degree in Education in 1949, followed by a Masters Degree at MSU. She was a sorority member of Zeta Tau Alpha and among the first female cheerleaders of MSU. She was Assistant Professor of Home Economics at Valparaiso University until her retirement. She also taught in public schools in Grandville, Linden, and Fenton, Michigan. She received a distinguished service award (The Sagamore of the Wabash) from the Governor of Indiana. Rhea thoroughly enjoyed her family, friends, and life in Ann Arbor including being an active member of Huron Hills Church. She was active in two Bible Studies. She also cherished neighbors and gardening at Sequoia Place. Rhea will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Visitation will be on Sunday, July 22, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 23, at Huron Hills Church, 3150 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. The family will also receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at the Goodrich Cemetery in Goodrich, MI. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to sign the guest book and leave your condolences for the family.
Services
- Visitation Sunday, July 22, 2012
- Visitation Monday, July 23, 2012
- Funeral Service Monday, July 23, 2012
REMEMBERING
Rhea A. Adgate
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RECEIVE UPDATESAugust 20, 2012
I send my condolences to the family. Rhea was a wonderful lady who I had the privelege to meet as a student at Valparaiso University. She was not only my faculty advisor and professor in Child Development but a helpful mentor during my undergraduate years. May she rest in peace and in the comfort of our Heavenly Father.
Tina Kanne
August 11, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories you hold dear bring you comfort. I remember Rhea always cooking up something good.
Chris Lakin
August 2, 2012
I have also known Rhea from the harmonica group at U of M and I remember all the laughs we had along with her interesting stories. My condolences to your family for your loss. She loved life!
Beth Guzman
August 2, 2012
I met Rhea several years ago at U of M Pulmonary Rehab and she and I were both in the "Harmonica Group" at Rehab. She was a delightful and caring woman whom I had the priviledge to know. It was amazing when she played her miniature harmonica. I will always remember her.
July 30, 2012
Gwynn Sterken and I delivered Meals on Wheels to Rhea and she always greeted us with a big hug and her shining smile. Rhea loved to chat and asked about our families and most of all enjoyed hearing about our travels. In turn, she shared her love for her family and was eager to let us know when her kids were coming for a visit or when she was off to sail or a family event. Gwynn and I gave her a thumbs up on her lovely wedding outfit that she was so proud to wear as the grandmother.
We admired how she faced these last months with courage and though sad to know she is gone, we know that she is a bright light in heaven.
It was a joy to know your Mom! With sympathy, Jan Hartmann
Marie Lee
July 26, 2012
Rhea was a loving Christian woman. Her enthusiasm for living did not falter. We now rejoice in her entrance to her heavenly home.
Jennifer Moore
July 23, 2012
I met Momma A. at one band concert. I knew then what a remarkable lady she was. May your loving memories bring you warmth and comfort in the days ahead. ---Jen & Micah
July 23, 2012
What a courageous woman Rhea was! When I met her, I instantly fell in love with her and was enthralled with her life story. She fought cancer straight on and inspired many! Rest peacefully dear Rhea! Love you... Stacy Kudlak
Diana Jonen
July 22, 2012
I'm sorry for your loss, Steve and family. Your mom sounds like she was quite an amazing lady. It's great that you were able to get to Michigan for frequent visits.
Dorothhy Yenni
July 22, 2012
I remember her with such fondness - I knew her through Turner Clinic, until my retirement 3 yrs. ago, but continued to run into her after that, and always enjoyed catching up a bit. She was remarkable, so very strong in dealing with so much. I know she will be missed by so many.
Sharon Turner
July 22, 2012
She had an event she invited me to which was a kind gesture on her part. She invited me to go with her to a Women's evening program at her church. She was a good host. Helping me to get to know the women there and making sure that I was comfortable in an unfamiliar place. I remember some good conversations with her and her friends at Huron Hills Church. She was well known and respected by her peers. She never lacked for words to say. Although, I did not see her over the past few years, I have fond memories of her and was so impressed that she took initiative and took an interest in me.
July 21, 2012
We will have a lot of great memories Rhea , We will miss you , sorry we can't be there, Joetta and I will be thinking of you and our cousins Love Joe A.
July 21, 2012
Dear Steve,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. My condolences to you and your family. May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you.
Betsy Tiedens Genne
Tami Griesinger (Glacier Hills)
July 21, 2012
Ms. Rhea, your beautiful smile, sweet spirit, and kind words and compliments will be missed throughout the facility. I thank God I was given the opportunity to know you, if only for a short time. Although we already had our celebration of life here on earth, I know you and the angels are enjoying more carrot cake and rejoicing in your new life! I love you!
George Patterson
July 20, 2012
Dear bob and Ronda I just read rhea's obit and I know the grief you are feeling. Thanks be to God that we will join Rhea in heaven someday. Love George
John & Tina Nellis
July 20, 2012
Dear Bob and Ronda -
Never had the privilege to meet your mother but know how much our parents mean to us, esp when they leave. Please know our hearts are with you in your loss.
Love,
Faith Barr
July 20, 2012
You have left a permanent imprint on my heart with your kindness, compassion, and wisdom. Though I was only blessed to know you a short time I feel as if I have known you a life time.
Your courage and determination has been an inspiration to many. You will be greatly missed, but, never forgotten.
Rest in Peace Rhea
With Love and great sadness
Faith (Sequoia Place)
sandy amrhein
July 20, 2012
I'll miss you and the way you made me laugh.
Jim & Cheryl Locke
July 20, 2012
Extremely sorry to hear the news. We know it was a long, hard battle. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this extremely difficult time. God's Peace and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ sustain you.
Kayla Berasley
July 20, 2012
Rhea was a grandmother to me. She always made me smile, and I love her very much. I'll miss you, Grandma Rhea.
Kathy Redies
July 19, 2012
Rhea made me smile with her endless energy and love for her family and friends. Even when battling cancer, she had an unbelievably positive attitude, and spoke of how blessed she was. Her amazing family and their support of her, was an awesome thing to watch. I will miss you sweet Rhea, and I hope you realize what an inspiration you have been to many. With love, your fellow Sparty, Kathy
Rhonda James
July 19, 2012
Rhea was an amazing lady. She was my friend and I will miss her very much. I always loved being the "other" Rhonda in her life. She made me smile every time I spoke with her and I feel blessed to have known her and called her my friend and sister in Christ.
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF