Submitted by: Dan Rich

Eleanor C. Crabill

Feb. 1, 1921 - May 12, 2008

South Bend Tribune 5/14/2008
SOUTH BEND - Eleanor C. Crabill, 87, of South Bend, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2008, in Memorial Hospital. She was born on February 1, 1921, in Sherburne, NY, to the late A.J. and Grace Louise (Colwell) Cook. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Crabill in 1996, and by her daughter, Carolyn Hartz in 2007. Her siblings were Cynthia Mary Cook, Robert James Cook, Caroline Elizabeth Cook (Hunt), all deceased, and a half sister, Nancy Jean Linstruth (Grubes). Eleanor is survived by her children, Jacquelyn (Art) Hoyt, Patricia (Rick) Hanna, Edwin (DeeAnn) Crabill of Naperville, IL, Susan (Bill) Barnard and Dr. J. Gregory (Billie) Crabill, USN, of California; and by a stepson, Michael (TerI) Crabill. She has 13 grandchildren, a step-grandchild and 10 great-grandchildren.

Eleanor was a full-time mother and was also self-employed as a seamstress. She loved to sew and used her gift to create one-of-a-kind gowns for local singers, and she especially enjoyed the wedding gowns she made for many brides, including her own children. She was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, especially tending her roses. She attended New Wings of Faith Church where she was loved and welcomed by the entire church family. Their love and attention made a difference in her life and she enjoyed being "fussed" over. Eleanor was a very special woman who loved and was loved by her family deeply. She possessed great strength that helped her to overcome many obstacles in life and is an inspiration to her children and grandchildren. Though her earthly presence in our lives will be greatly missed, she continues to live on in all of the lives she touched.