Eleanor Phares

Eleanor (Ellie) Phares, age 94, passed away peacefully, on May 20, 2024 in Rio Rancho, NM.  Ellie was born on November 17, 1929 in Pana, IL to Joseph and Anna Rochkes. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Rex Phares; her parents; her four sisters and six brothers; and a grandson. Surviving Eleanor and her legacy are her four children; Karen Cleaver (Jerry) of Edgewood, NM, Donna Lecia Phares of Linden, TN, Janet Laris of Albuquerque, NM, L. Michael Phares Sr. (Julie) of Rio Rancho, NM; four grandchildren, Sylvia Clarke (Tim), Patrick Staley, L. Michael Phares Jr. (Kristy), Tracey Candelaria; and eleven great-grandchildren. 

After 20 years of service, Eleanor retired as registrar from Valley High School, Albuquerque, NM. With her husband Rex, the love of her life, she enjoyed many years volunteering at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, RV camping, and deep-sea fishing. She was also a great cook, a gardener, as well as, enjoying square- dancing. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

 Funeral services will be on Friday May 31, 2024 at Daniel’s Funeral Home – Sara Road Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with a service at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at 11:00 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM. Visit danielsfuneral.com or call 505-892-9920.