Eleanor Louise (Zeller) Laney, 89
Eleanor Louise (Zeller) Laney, 89, "entered into rest" June 7, 2009, in Spokane. She was born into a fun-loving and hard-working farm family in Somers, on Aug. 12, 1919. She walked to the one-room Rouselle school house, her family often hosting the teacher. Eleanor graduated from Somers High School at age 17.
She became an accomplished horsewoman, traveler, teacher and bridge player who lived for family gatherings. Eleanor received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Washington College of Education, completing the three-year advanced course of study by the age of 19.
Her early teaching career included Colville and Vancouver, Wash., and Helena. Through her sister and college friends, she met Bob "JR" Laney of Sprague, Wash., and they were married in 1945. Together they built a farm and raised a family of five children.
She returned to her teaching career at Lamont and Harrington, Wash., after their last child entered school, finishing her career in 1969. Eleanor and Bob were solid supporters of higher education. As a result, their children and grandchildren have pursued advanced degrees throughout the world, while many regional institutions benefit from their generosity.
In addition to her farm and family activities, she participated in the Ritzville Branch of the American Association of University Women, the Crab Creek Grange, the Washington and National Education Associations, and was a charter member and past president of the Washington Agricultural and Forestry Education Foundation. She was active in the Lincoln County Democrats, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Lincoln County Cowbelles and the Spokane Club. She was a long-time member of the Mary Queen of Heaven Church and she played bridge with the Sprague Bridge Club for over 40 years. Eleanor corresponded widely with family and friends and her Christmas cards were famous for their originality and poetry.
In her immediate family, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, in 1996; her parents, Roman and Norine (McDonell) Zeller; her brother, Edmund Zeller (1918); sister and brother-in-law, Helen Marie (2002) and Bill Ringwood (2008); and granddaughter, Rachel Laney (1987).
She is survived by a vibrant family of four sons and a daughter, John and Joann (Monson) Laney of Seattle, Steve and Sandi (Overstreet) Laney of Spokane, Chris and Linda (Reedy) Laney of Sprague, Tom and Susie (Gulyas' Laney of Moses Lake, Wash., Norine and Guy Gregory of Spokane; a far-flung and accomplished group of 13 grandchildren; and a growing group of three remarkable great-grandchildren. Her extended family includes Ringwoods, Gaffneys, McDonells and Zellers.
The family extends their thanks to all who assisted Eleanor in remaining independent in recent years, to her medical caregivers, and to Hospice of Spokane for their end-of-life care.
Memorial donations may be made to Poor Clare Sisters of Spokane; Mary Queen of Heaven Church Building Fund; Hospice of Spokane; or a charity your choice.
Viewing will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Hennessy-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division, Spokane. Vigil services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at St. Charles Parish, 4515 N. Alberta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at Mary Queen of Heaven Church, Sprague, with Father Jack Krier officiating. Concluding services, vault internment will follow at Maccabee Cemetery, Sprague.
Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, is in charge of arrangements.