Nancy Louise Rhodes

Nancy Louise Rhodes, 61, daughter of Rhea Louise Wilson Rhodes and John Buetler Rhodes, passed away in her Sedona, Arizona home on May 24, 2022. Nancy was born in Salt Lake City, Utah September 27, 1960. She was welcomed by her older brother, John Blair Rhodes. Growing up Nancy lived in Salt Lake City and Kanab, Utah, as well as Albuquerque and Corrales, New Mexico. As kids, she and Blair loved animals including horses, guinea hens, turkeys, chickens, goats, ducks, monkeys, rabbits, cats and dogs. In later years, her cat, “Poppy Valentine,” was a beloved companion for many years following the passing of her treasured cat, “Jewels” who lived with her for 17 years. While in Corrales, Blair and Nancy attended 4-H and believed in the 4-H Motto: “To Make the Best Better,” and the pledge: “I pledge… My Head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My Hands to larger service and My Health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” Nancy’s first official job was at McDonald’s at 16 while she was attending high school. After high school, Nancy attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and completed an Associate Degree with the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver, Colorado. She chose photography as her art form. Nancy was a professional photographer, (Old School as she would say), who was slow to progress from her passion for film into the digital world. She was a traditionalist, focusing on a scene and then bringing that scene to life in the darkroom. Nancy conducted photography workshops and field trips in Utah and Arizona. Her photos were a weekly commonplace in the St George, Utah newspaper, The Spectrum. She also did freelance work for the New York Times and USA Today newspapers allowing thousands to view her work. Together with her mother, Nancy displayed paintings and photography throughout the United States in many exhibits including galleries in St. George, Utah. Nancy loved to travel. One of her most enjoyable trips was to the Far East. She enjoyed walking the Great Wall of China, visiting Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam to capture the architecture, the people, and their culture. Her camera by her side, she shared her talents and love of mankind. On another trip she and her mom traveled together on a Caribbean Cruise with extended family visiting ancient ruins in Belize and Honduras. Once again, Nancy creatively documented the adventures with her skills. Nancy lived in St. George, Utah and later in Sedona, Arizona. She appreciated the histories and Native American cultures and the Pioneer histories of her ancestors. Full of energy, she often hiked the trails, collected photographs of petroglyphs or Indian festivities. She shared shots of Pioneer Wagon trains, events and parades. Her expertise displayed unique captivating scenes. She had a great love for people and adventure. St. George, Utah hosts numerous sporting events including Iron Man International Competitions and Marathons. Nancy loved being there to shoot individual pictures as they raced. The grateful athletes were delighted with her professional work! Nancy loved her friends and family and connected closely with her brother, cousins, aunts and uncles. She loved to tease and surprise them. For many years Nancy was nearby to assist her mother in her aging years. Nancy loved to call Rhea, her Angel Mom. Nancy is survived by her brother, John Blair Rhodes of Amarillo, Texas; Aunt Patrica Wilson, Salt Lake City, Utah; Uncle Charles Ryser, Salt Lake City, Utah; Uncle Blaine Ricks Wilson and Aunt Joyce Wilson, Santa Clara, Utah and Aunt Bette Rickbeil of Boise, Idaho and numerous cousins. Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Nancy Louise Rhodes. A Memorial Service is scheduled June 2, 2022, 11:00 am PST, (12:00, noon, MST). Greer’s Mortuary. 2725 West Highway 89A, Sedona, Arizona. 86336 phone:928-282-3253 greermortuary@sedona.net or greeroffice@sedona.net