Eleanor Ann Hinchman

Eleanor Thompson Hinchman, 90, of Overland Park, Kansas, was called to rest the morning of March 19, 2017. Ellie was born December 31, 1926 in Randolph, Kansas to Eleanor (Schroer) Thompson and E. E. (Tom) Thompson. Ellie grew up in Kansas City, attending Paseo High School, class of 1943, where she was voted “Girl with the Best Personality” her senior year. She attended Beloit College for two years before transferring to KU, where she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi. It was at KU, on a blind date, where she met the love of her life, Donald Wayne Hinchman. She graduated from KU with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, then received her Master’s degree in Education from the UMKC.

In 1950, Ellie married Don Hinchman and had two children, James and Ann. Ellie was a school teacher for 31 years. She spent 15 of those years at the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, where she made her most treasured, lifelong friends.

Outside of her family and friends, the Church was the most important part of her life. At the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, she served on the Mission Committee, the church choir, Joy Circle, Morning Star Sunday School, and the Senior Advisory Committee, among others.

Ellie loved to travel, taking many trips with her daughter and granddaughters, who, affectionately, called her “Nammie”. She also loved card games, bird watching, playing the piano, going to the movies and anything that involved learning.

Ellie was best described as an “angel among us”. She had the most infectious laugh and a smile that could light up a room. She lived life to the fullest, loving every single day. She was kind and caring, she never knew a stranger, and loved to laugh at herself.

Ellie was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, F. L. (Tom) Thompson. She is survived by her two children, Jim Hinchman, and Ann Zarr (Jim), three grandchildren, Emily Henschel (Rich), Erin Zarr, and Elyse Newth (Connor), and her two great grandchildren, Tripp Henschel and Bowen Newth. Special thanks to Nikki, Jolly, Brenda, Valerie and Ollie for the loving care they gave to Ellie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of the Resurrection or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A celebration of life is planned for Friday, April 7th at 3:00pm at the Church of the Resurrection in the Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.