Dennis Era Rhoades

Dennis Era Rhoades, beloved father, grandfather, friend, and celebrated master pastelist, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026 at the age of 86.

Born on January 20, 1940 in Ashland, Kansas to parents Virgil Winston Rhoades and Clara Christine (Clydie) Ellsworth. He and his family lived in several towns within Kansas before finally settling down in Mulvane, where he met his wife, Jennis, during their junior year in high school. Dennis attended the Kansas City Art Institute then worked for over 30 years as a commercial illustrator and creative designer, which resulted in numerous awards. 

Later he founded The Graphic Works, Inc. as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, building a career devoted to shaping brand identities for a wide range of clients. Through his creative vision and attention to detail, he developed distinctive visual materials for companies such as Coors, Hallmark, Frontier Airlines, Hiwan Golf Club and many others, earning a reputation for thought design and lasting brand impact. 

He and Jennis fell in love with Colorado during a vacation, in 1971, and they purchased several acres of land in Evergreen. By 1976, they had built their dream home and settled their family there. From his top-floor studio, a sweeping view of Evergreen and Mount Evans inspired him daily, making the home a true expression of his creative spirit and vision. 

Dennis had a quiet curiosity about the world and an early love for art. That curiosity would become a lifelong passion and a remarkable gift he shared generously with others. Dennis loved painting southwestern landscapes, using oil and pastel mediums. Through decades of dedication to his craft, he became known as a master pastelist whose landscapes captured not only the beauty of the land, but the feeling of standing within it. He was elected a Master Member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA) in 2007, and elected a Master Member of the Pastel Society of Colorado in 2009. He has also been recognized with a Master Circle Medallion from the International Association of Pastel Societies in 2015. 

Whether painting rolling hills and rock formations, open skies, distant mountains, or quiet fields, he saw poetry in nature. His motto was to interpret nature, don’t copy it. His work reflected patience, attention, and a deep appreciation for light, color, and the changing seasons. Many fellow artists remember his lessons about how he captured clouds, shadows, and the way a sunsets colors blended vibrantly on the canvas. 

His love for the outdoors extended far beyond his artwork. He found joy in photography, camping trips, fishing with his family, and afternoons on the golf course. He was happiest surrounded by nature, camera in hand, always ready to capture a beautiful moment or simply soak in the quiet of the wilderness. 

At home, he took pride in woodworking with his hands and creating things meant to last. He also had a lifelong love of cars—especially his cherished 1969 red Corvette Stingray convertible. His beloved dog, Rembrandt, loved being his co-pilot on his daily errands around Evergreen. 

Beyond his many talents and hobbies, Dennis was a man of warmth, humor, and gentle wisdom. He believed in slowing down, noticing small details, and finding joy in everyday moments. He was a patient teacher, always ready to encourage creativity and curiosity in others, inspiring many to pick up a pencil, brush, or camera for the first time. 

To his family, he was a steady presence and a quiet source of strength. He leaves behind his wife Jennis, son Doug (Amy) (grandchildren Connor and Kylie), daughter Kim, sister Tammy (Bill), and many relatives and friends who will remember him for his kindness, his steady encouragement, and the way he made the world feel both larger and more beautiful. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Ross, grandson Kaden (Kim’s son) , brother-in-law Bill and his favorite uncle Keith. 

His legacy lives on in the landscapes he created and in the countless lives he touched. Every sunrise, every open field, and every wide sky will carry a reminder of the way he saw the world — with wonder, gratitude, and love. 

Dennis preferred not to have a service. In lieu of a service and flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter, or that you simply take a quiet moment outdoors and appreciate the beauty around you — something he would have loved. 

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.