Obit of Flower, Eleanor Lee - Garvin County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 24 Feb 2008 Return to Garvin County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/garvin/garvin.html ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== ::Bidwell Chapel FH--Chico CA Eleanor Loree Flower Funeral services for Eleanor Lee Flower will be held at Bidwell Chapel on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at 11 am with a graveside service to immediately follow. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 24, 2007, from 5 pm at Bidwell Chapel. Eleanor Loree Flower was born on Aug. 24, 1921, in a small town called Stratford, amid the rolling green hills of Oklahoma. Her childhood there was carefree and happy. She was the youngest of five children, the daughter of James and Nora Miller. James was a minister of the gospel, a farmer, and the family lived a rich life based on community service and old fashioned Christian values. Over and over her parents demonstrated the principles of kindness and generosity that she would always live by. As the economy spiraled downward and more and more people found themselves in need, the Miller family always had enough; a cow to milk, and room at their table to share with whoever passed by their simple country home. She loved her family, respected her parents and would never forget those who were in need. She was to become an avid reader and never lost the curiosity that fueled a core thirst for knowledge about history, the world, and politics. Eleanor led with her sense of fairness, justice, and "doing the right thing". Her greatest heroes were those people she felt emulated such principles in action. People who faced tough times and responded with compassionate acts would always hold her admiration. Many times she spoke to her own children of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in this context. She was a dedicated member of the Democratic Party, never failing to vote, and for many years volunteering on local election boards. Eleanor married Earl L. Ferguson in 1938 in Castle Rock, Wash., shortly after graduating from high school in that same town. The couple would have six children, two of whom died tragically as infants. Eleanor remained steadfast and managed her family household through good times and bad. She never once turned away from a challenge or failed to meet difficult times; she was always a soldier of the heart and never once anything less than a lady. After 25 years of marriage her husband died in 1965 in Chico, Calif. Eleanor was left with two children still at home and very little else. She worked full time, maintained her home and provided for her family. In the ensuing years she would meet Arthur Flower. She fell in love with his kindness and gentle spirit and they were married in 1967. "Art" had a family of his own and enriched Eleanor's family with two teenage sons, Jim and Tullie, and a lovely adult daughter, Susan. The marriage was harmonious and happy until Art was lost to her in an automobile accident in the summer of 1969. She would ever remain Eleanor Flower. Sorrow and loneliness did not dissuade her determination to carry forth in life. She lived her days as though each were precious and brought happiness and help to whomever she could, as often as possible. She loved to travel, going so far a field as Guadalajara, Mexico and Alberta, Canada on motoring trips, often sharing the experience with her beloved grandchildren, but sometimes as her own best companion, if necessary. Eleanor remained humble and self effacing but leaves a legacy of great courage in the face of many adversities, of true and deep humor, wit and insight, and most of all, a heart filled with the power of love and goodness. She was a loyal member of the Beulah Rebekah's Lodge #60 for over 50 years, and served as Grand Noble in that organization. Eleanor retired from the State of California, Employment Development Department, which she was very proud to have worked for and had made many lifelong friends among her coworkers. She had worked for them in Butte and Glenn counties, and retired from the Woodland office. After retirement, she fulfilled a lifelong dream and bought a small motor home to travel around the country in. She joined the Loaners of America RV Club and enjoyed numerous travels. Often times leaving on her own and meeting up with her LOA partners at many campouts along the way. She was always waiting for the evening campfire, to share the day's stories with new and old friends. She is survived by her beloved daughters: Elaine (Gil) Feis, Pam (Mike) Boucek, and Susan (Craig) Swanson. Sons: James (Kay) Ferguson, Jesse Ferguson, and Tullie Flower. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. There will be a gathering of friends and family hosted by the Beulah Rebekah Lodge of Chico, immediately following the graveside service, at the Chico Grange Hall on Muir Ave. Bidwell Chapel is in charge of all arrangements. Published in the Chico Enterprise-Record on 4/24/2007. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Garvin County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/garvin/garvin.html