of Pinellas Park passed away peacefully in her home on March 3, 2016. Preceding her in death are her parents, siblings, husband Russell and stepson Steven. She is survived by her children: Russell Lewis of Englewood, LeeAnne (Gary Skinner), Daughter-in-Law: Sherrill (Steven) of Elkton and Step-Son: Gregory (Nancy) of Yakima, WA; along with grandchildren: Brian, Bradley, Christopher, Gary & Tina and great grandchildren Charlotte & Cecelia.
Born in Pullman, Washington, Eleanor learned at a young age hard work, education, and her unwavering faith were key in getting her best life. As a child she was a Campfire Girl and also in Job's Daughters International and began her lifelong journey with her faith in the Lord. She started working at the age of 12 washing dishes at the hotel where her dad was employed. Graduating from Pullman High School in June 1949 she went on to Washington State College (NKA Washington State University) also located in Pullman where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in June 1952 and worked as a lifeguard and waitress during this time. After graduation Eleanor went on to teach PE in Spokane, Washington until 1958. While in Spokane she bought a car and a home, that was all of 592 square feet, nicknamed Eleanor's Dollhouse.
She then met the love of her life, Russell, at church who was stationed at Fairchild AFB, and they were married on December 22, 1956. In 1958 Eleanor and Russell moved to West Lafayette, Indiana where Russell resumed his job at Ross Gear as his military service was complete. Eleanor was a stay at home mom for a short time while working on her graduate school studies at Purdue University and in June 1960 received her Master's Degree of Physical Education. After graduation she resumed her high school teaching career in the West Lafayette and Lafayette area and taught until May of 1982. During her teaching years she was a high school coach for girl's swimming and volleyball. Eleanor led the Girl's High School Swim Team to a GAA Indiana High School State Championship in 1969. In her spare time she liked to have a little fun playing badminton with the students after school. During the summers Eleanor taught potential Lifeguards & Water Safety Instructors to prepare them for their qualification exams.
Eleanor & Russell decided to retire & move to North Port, FL in June 1982. She continued to coach after retirement by instructing a group of senior ladies at the community's swimming pool in Aqua Aerobics. In 1984 Eleanor received recognition from a former female high school student she taught in the mid 1950s. This student had Eleanor registered with the National Association for Sport & Physical Education as the great influence on her own decision to earn a PhD. in PE. Eleanor in 1990 decided to become a lifeguard one last time and passed the swimming exams and worked at Warm Mineral Springs for a period of 3 years. Eleanor and Russell moved to the St. Petersburg, FL area in December 1999 to be near their daughter and decided at 69 years old to be an Elementary School Substitute PE Teacher for a couple of years in Pinellas County. In 2011 she moved in with her daughter and her daughter's husband.
Eleanor was a life long church volunteer wherever she resided including her last personal assignment of assisting with the upkeep of the prayer garden at FBC St Petersburg. Her love for the outdoors was obvious through her time spent landscaping, gardening, & swimming. Eleanor was constantly in motion and didn't sit down very often. Her faith, drive, & motivation were unwavering throughout her life. She is now celebrating her new eternal life with the Lord and has rejoined her family.
Memorial services held 4:30 pm Sunday, March 6, 2016 at First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg.
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