Eleanor was born May 6, 1929, in Jerome, Arizona, to Edwin Gillespie and Marguerite Walker Gillespie. She graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1946. She graduated from Harris College of Nursing at TCU in 1949, with a degree in nursing. On January 6, 1950, she married John Grant Bolen. They soon moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1953, where she became a homemaker and mother to Jane and Nancy. The family moved back to Fort Worth, for a short time, and then to San Angelo, where John Richard was born in 1958. Jack and Eleanor lived in San Angelo for the past 54 years. Eleanor was a founding member of the Concho Valley Home for Girls, and dedicated much of her time to this worthy cause. She was an avid golfer and member of the WGA at San Angelo Country Club, until her declining health prevented her from playing. She also had many friends who played at Riverside Golf Course.
Eleanor was a member of the Town and Country Club, in its prime, where she and her friends enjoyed many Halloween parties. She and Jack also loved to host their traditional New Year’s Eve parties in their home. Another hobby she loved was collecting and refurbishing antiques. Her many antiques were on display in her home at 415 S. Jefferson. Jack and Eleanor were long time members of St. Luke Methodist Church.
Eleanor had a style all her own. She was famous for roaring around town in her classy corvettes. Whatever the model, 1972, 1984, or 1999, no one could have missed her. Her love for her Irish Wolfhounds rivaled none. She and her “gentle giants” were the talk of the neighborhood. She and Jack did extensive traveling. Yet, of all their trips, New Zealand was her very favorite.
Jack and Eleanor’s “home away from home” was their beautiful cabin nestled in the mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico. They loved to picnic, play golf, and entertain friends. Many wonderful memories were made during those times in their lives.
Eleanor was a kind and giving lady with an incredible sharp wit. No one was a stranger in her home. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. To put it simply, she lived life to the fullest. Her grandchildren , who affectionately called her “Gran,” were the light of her life.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Gillespie and son, John Richard Bolen.
Eleanor is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jack Bolen; daughters Jane Bolen March, and Nancy Bolen Heartsill and husband Joe; grandchildren; Jennifer March, Zach March and wife Adrienne; Lucas Heartsill and wife Colleen, Kate Heartsill, Rhett Heartsill, Derek Bolen, Hunter Bolen, and Grant Bolen; great grandchildren Shannon Duarte, Elizabeth Heartsill, and Lula Jane March due in February.
Service for Eleanor will be Monday, 11:00 AM, at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by special friend, Monsignor Maury Voity. A meal will follow in the fellowship hall of First Christian Church, 29 North Oaks.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Concho Valley Home for Girls or Meals for the Elderly.
Family and Friends may sign an online register at johnsons-funeralhome.com
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