Aladene Rhodes Harker

Aladene Jones Rhodes Harker, 83, passed away November 21, 2016 at her home in Ammon, Idaho. Aladene was born February 18, 1933 to Lee Albert Jones and Zina Bernice Stringham Jones, in Logan Utah. She was the 4th of 6 children. Her grandmother Stringham was a Midwife, so Bernice traveled to Utah to have Aladene. She grew up in Lewisville, Idaho and attended school in Rigby, graduating from Rigby High School. She was an excellent pianist, and played flute in the marching band. She was part of a close knit group of friends, who still keep in touch even now. Aladene married Gary Howard Rhodes on April 2, 1952 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They began married life in the Osgood area, where they gained lifelong friends, and started their family. They bought a farm and settled in LaBelle, Idaho in 1957. Their family continued to grow and Aladene became the mother of 9 children. She was blessed with a wonderful heritage. She helped on the farm and raised a big garden- to feed the 9 children. She had beautiful flower gardens and loved taking care of her yard. She was an accomplished seamstress-to clothe the 9 children. Aladene sang with the Chancenettes for many years. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in many calling over the years. One of her favorite callings was working with the 11-year old scouts. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Aladene and Gary were members of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau board. They had so much fun with other board members at state and national conventions. Gary and Aladene served a mission in the Tulsa, Oklahoma. Gary passed away September 2, 2006. Aladene was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. She became re-acquainted with Eldon Harker, who was also raised in Lewisville. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married for time in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 6, 2010. Eldon has been very caring and loving during these past six years, as Aladene suffered numerous health challenges. They served together in the Idaho Falls Temple, until the Temple was closed for remodeling. Aladene passed away with Eldon by her side. The family would like to express their gratitude to Eldon and the Harker Family, the loving care of Hands of Hope Hospice (especially Rose) and Ammon 5th ward. She is survived by her husband, Eldon D. Harker, of Ammon. Sister: Yvonne Delamore, Mountain Home, ID; brother: Richard Lee Jones, Idaho Falls, ID. Children: Bradley (Diane) Rhodes, Ashton, ID; Coleen (James) Thatcher, LaCanada, CA; Janet (Larry) Stucki, Ririe, ID; Jan (Verl ) Dial, Rigby, ID; Alene (David) Breckenridge, Tetonia, ID; Benjamin (Megan) Rhodes, Rigby, ID; Julie (Alan) Thompson, Victor, ID; Joseph (Chantel) Rhodes, Salem, UT; Sarah (Jonathan) Kay, Chester, ID; 43 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren; Brother in Law: Bill (Doris) Rhodes, Virginia; Sister in Law: Pauline Jones Rowberry, Blackfoot, ID. Step Children: Denese (Dave) Hertz, Ammon, ID; Yvonne (Bracken) Webb, Idaho Falls, ID; Annette (Kim) Lewis, Idaho Falls, ID; Richard Harker, Idaho Falls, ID; Ronald (Tammy) Harker Rexburg, ID; Douglass (Heidi) Harker, Idaho Falls, ID; Susan (Chuck) Ellis, Nampa, ID. 28 step-grandchildren, 24 step-great grandchildren and 1 step- great- great grandchild. Aladene was preceded in death by her husband Gary Rhodes, a son Jeffrey Rhodes, Grandson Heath (Passey) Rhodes. Brothers, Terry Jones and LaDell Jones and a sister Pauline Andrus and a step-grandson, David Lewis. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 25, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, LaBelle Church, 4223 East 528 North, Rigby, Idaho. The family will visit with friends Thursday (Thanksgiving) from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and Friday prior to services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home, Rigby. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.