Eleanor Louise Yockey

Eleanor Louise (Freese) Yockey, died at the age of 82 on Tuesday, Jan. 22, with loved ones by her side, after a 15-month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born Dec. 1, 1930, in Spokane, to John and Bernice Freese. She spent her early years in Harrington, where her father was a wheat rancher. Later the family moved to Ritzville, where they made their home for many years. She was salutatorian for the Bronco class of 1948. After high school she attended Washington State College, graduating with a degree in education.

While student teaching in Sunnyside, she met fellow student teacher Dale Yockey of Winthrop, and accepted an invitation to go pheasant hunting as their first date. On July 10, 1954, they were married and made their home in Sunnyside, where they raised two sons and one daughter.

She taught home economics for 30 years in the Sunnyside School District, where she was a positive influence on many students and teachers alike. She was a lifetime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, belonged to the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), Delta Kappa Gamma and the Nouvella Club. She looked forward to educational meetings and luncheons where she could socialize with her many friends.

The couple spent many enjoyable hours casting a lure and fishing the waters of the Pacific Northwest. In exchange for hours on the water, she expected equal time be spent by Dale at local theater events, much to his chagrin. She loved camping, sewing, traveling and treasured time spent at the Winthrop house with her extended family. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Bernice; and sisters, Elaine Ottem and Lois Beaudry.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dale; two sons, Loren (Diana) Yockey of Everett, Larry (Kelly) Yockey of Ritzville; daughter, Lorna (Pat) McGhehey of Everett; grandchildren, Jeff (Heather) Symons, David Symons, Amber (Kevin) Hull, Andrea Shaffer, Amanda Yockey, Lauren McGhehey and Cassidy McGhehey; two great-grandchildren, Briar Hull and Adam Shaffer; and several nieces and nephews.

She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her positive and helpful attitude, her homemade bread and cookies, and the wonderful holiday celebrations spent in Winthrop.

She made Christmas, New Years and the Fourth of July special for the entire family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church; or a cancer research foundation of your choice.

Funeral service is to be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m., at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sunnyside. WA. An online memorial book is available at http://www.funeralhomesmith.com. Smith Funeral Home Ltd and Crematory in Sunnyside is entrusted with the arrangements.