Opal Elaine (Morris) Eaton

Sept. 8, 1931-July 30, 2012

Elaine Eaton, 80, of Vancouver, Wash., passed away July 30, 2012 from MDS. She was born September 8, 1931 to A.G. “Slim” and Dora Morris in Gettysburg, SD. The Morris family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 1934. Elaine was the fifth of seven children.

Elaine married Clark “Jack” Eaton in 1950. Jack and Elaine lived in Sandpoint, Idaho in their early married life where they were fortunate to make lifelong friends. Jack’s job as a banker took them to Parma and Kellogg, and finally to Vancouver, Wash. in 1966. Jack and Elaine joined Messiah Lutheran Church shortly after their arrival. Elaine served many roles at Messiah over the past 45 years including two terms as president of the congregation. One of Elaine’s greatest joys in life was working with the Messiah quilters each week to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Her family is warmed by the thought that Messiah’s quilts are all over the world comforting those in need. In the Christian spirit of stewardship Elaine and Jack spent many years volunteering for Friends of the Carpenter, whose mission is to help the homeless in Vancouver.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Jack; daughters Peggy (Paul) Prather of Vancouver, Janet (Ron) Tribble of Roseburg, Ore. and Mary Kay (Mark) Achziger of Hillsboro, Ore., and Barbara Palmer of Texas; grandchildren, Hannah Bevans, Matt Gilmour, Nathan Backous, Jay Tribble and Sam Achziger; sisters Irene Krebs, Bobbi (Elmer) Nissen, Mary Paulsen; brother Larry (Barbara) Morris; brother-in-law Verne (Jan) Eaton and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; sister Marcy Booth and brother, Willy Morris.

The Eaton family will host an open house to celebrate Elaine’s life on August 19th from 2-4 p.m. at the Edgetree Condominiums Clubhouse, 13805 N.W. 10th Ct., Vancouver, WA 98685.

Memorial donations may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Quilters or to the Friends of the Carpenter.