Meri S. RhodesMarch 27, 2017Meri S. Rhodes was born on June 8, 1949 in Ottawa, IL to her parents Wesley and Betty Tendall. She passed away on March 27, 2017 in Ft. Myers, FL at the age of 67 following a long battle with cancer.Meri is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Raymond E. Rhodes; children Andrea (Matt) Lynn Miller and Raymond (April) Michael Rhodes; grandchildren Kaia and Matthew Miller, Raymond Jon, Kinsley, and Grayson Rhodes; sisters Lynn Noon and Gail Schmitz; brother Bruce Tendall; and her mother Betty. Meri is preceded in death by her father and her granddaughters Kendall and Tristyn.Meri grew up in Seneca, IL and attended Seneca High School. She graduated with an AA at Illinois Valley Community College and obtained a BA in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Meri's passion in life was working with and teaching children. She taught for over 15 years at the Sanibel Elementary School and finished her career at Mechanicsburg, PA High School as the Executive Assistant to the Principal where she could continue mentoring students. Meri enjoyed gardening, growing orchids, cooking and hosting family meals, but most of all, spending time with her family. She is well known for her contagious laughter and smile. She brought joy to everyone who had the blessing to cross her path.Cremation has been entrusted to Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Zion Lutheran Church; 7401 Winkler Rd., Ft. Myers, FL 33919. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to Hope Hospice; 9470 Health Park Circ., Ft. Myers, FL 33908 or to in memory of Meri. Please visit www.harvey-engelhardt.com to leave a condolence to her family.