Elaine Rhea

Elaine Rhea, born Elaine Kennedy on September 4, 1942, in New Carlisle, OH, and most recently of Holland, Michigan, was a woman who knew the secret of a well-lived life. She embraced laughter, love, and generosity, and she wove these strands into the fabric of every day. In the words of Charlie Chaplin, "A day without laughter is a day wasted," and Elaine never wasted a day. A funny woman with a robust sense of humor, she filled the rooms she entered with laughter, brightening the lives of those around her. Elaine was married to Ronald Rhea, on December 19, 1964, and together they cultivated a family grounded in love and support. The mother of Nicole Sharp and Eric Rhea (Kathy), and the grandmother to Amanda Weber (Jeff), and Ashley Cave, Elaine showered her family with love and nurtured their growth, just as she did the beautiful flowers in her garden. She was a woman who believed in the power of a good book, the comfort of a hand-knitted blanket, and the joy of a well-tended garden. She was the embodiment of a loving and supportive spirit, generous in her affection, and always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear. Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and Harold Kennedy, and her beloved husband, Ronald Rhea. She leaves behind not just her children and grandchildren, but a legacy of love and laughter that will echo in their lives and hearts forever. As Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Elaine's funny, loving, supportive, and generous spirit will be remembered fondly and missed deeply by all who knew her. In honour of Elaine's memory, we invite you to share your favorite stories, photos, and memories of Elaine on her memorial page. Let's celebrate her life, her laugh, and her love by sharing the joy she gave us. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elaine Rhea, please visit our flower store.