Elise Rhodes Gainer, 89, was born in the South Arkansas boomtown of El Dorado on July 30, 1922 to William Bird and Lenora Francis Johnson Rhodes and passed from this life on July 27, 2012.

She honored the role of wife, mother, aunt and good neighbor for many years.

Elise spent her career years working at the El Dorado Chemical plant, but her joy was seen in making a home for her family.

She worshipped at the First Christian Church and served on various committees and was known to put together a mean casserole and piles of potato salad for a multitude of church and family dinners.

Elise was also a great supporter for friends and family alike. She had a servant’s heart and took great pride in her role as “cheerleader” for those facing tough times.

After moving to Hudson Memorial Nursing Home, she continued to greet all with a warm smile  of welcome, be they family or strangers. Choosing to live her life as God directed, she became a giver as well as an encourager.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elwood G. Gainer; and sons, Gaylen and Denzil “Denny” Gainer; sisters, Inez R. Cryer and Imogene R. Johnson; and brother, Michael R. Rhodes.

Mrs. Gainer is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Milam and Jeanette Rhodes of Junction City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Mrs. Gainer will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 30 at Young's Chapel with the Rev. Tom Whitworth of First Christian Church officiating.

Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Monday until service time, with burial at Arlington Memorial Park in El Dorado under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Serving pallbearers will be Mrs. Gainer’s nephews, Randy Rhodes, Joel Rhodes, Carl M. Johnson and Jacob Rhodes.

Memorial gifts may be made to First Christian Church, 420 N. Madison, El Dorado, AR, 71730 or the charity of your choice.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

Published: 07/29/2012