Eleanor J. Ewing passed away on Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, at the Beehive Home in Meridian. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Chapel of the Chimes in Meridian with funeral services being held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Chapel of the Chimes funeral home in Meridian. Interment will follow at Kohlerlawn Cemetery in Nampa, Idaho. Eleanor was born on Jan. 27, 1919, at Hannaford, North Dakota, the first-born child of John and Josephine Elvig. A daughter of Norwegian parents, she grew up speaking only Norwegian. Her education began in North Dakota where she started first grade without knowing a word of English. She graduated from Jamestown High School in North Dakota and then attended Butte Business College for a time. In Butte, Mont. Eleanor attended the local Assembly of God Church. At that time, a young miner was boarding with the pastor and his family. The pastor's wife, playing the role cupid, suggested that this young man pursue Eleanor. So, that was how Eleanor met the love of her life--Robert L. Ewing. Theirs was a whirlwind courtship, interrupted by a winter's separation when Eleanor moved to New York City with her cousins to work as a cook for the Otis Elevator family. Eleanor and Bob were married on June 30, 1940, in Butte, Mont. and were inseparable for the next 66 years. They were blessed with a daughter, Rachel, followed by a son, David. Eleanor and Bob were role models for their children and grandchildren, living an example of a love-filled, totally committed relationship that took them through good times and bad. Bob preceded her in death eight months ago on March 5, 2007, going on before to make sure everything was ready for her arrival. A week before her passing, Eleanor remarked to her daughter, "Won't Bob be surprised to see me so soon?" Eleanor served her Lord and Savior faithfully all of her life. She read her Bible and prayed every day and her life exemplified that of a true Christian. She endured great pain and suffering as a result of broken bones caused by severe osteoporosis, but she never complained and constantly maintained a cheerful and positive attitude. She always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word for anyone she came in contact with, and her girlish giggle was a delight to all who loved her. She inspired those around her by demonstrating great strength of character and courage in the face of adversity. For most of her life, she was a homemaker, though she did work for an extended time at the General Foods Birds Eye plant packing spinach, lima beans, and onions. She enjoyed cooking meals for her family and especially enjoyed baking pies-her cookie jar was always full. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage, evidenced by her love of baking Norwegian cookies and other Norwegian delicacies. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed doing embroidering, crocheting, and in later life, counted cross stitch. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Gary Carter, of Meridian; and her son, David, of Boise. Additionally, she is survived by five grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Fischer of Seattle, Wash.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank and Helen Ewing, of Nampa; sister-in-law, Margaret Danner of Fallon, Nev.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, and a sister Mildred Melusi. The family wishes to thank the staff at Grace Assisted Living, the Beehive Home, and Accent Hospice for their loving care for our beloved mother and grandmother. Memorial donations may be made to the National Prayer Center, Capital Christian Center, 2760 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian, ID 83646 or flowers may be sent. Arrangements have been entrusted to Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home, 105 E. Carlton Ave. Meridian, ID 83642, 888-4454.
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 11/14/2007.