Keepsake style
Eleanor Rose Whitaker
In Loving Memory
Eleanor Rose Whitaker
April 3, 1939 – September 28, 2026
Forever in our hearts
Her life
A farm girl from Milford
Eleanor was born on April 3, 1939, the second of four children, on a dairy farm outside Milford. She learned early to rise before the sun and to read by the kitchen lamp after supper.
She taught third grade for thirty-four years, and half the town still remembers her spelling bees.
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Her years
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Memories
What we remember
- Sunday pot roast, and a seat for anyone who turned up
- Her roses along the front fence, every June
- Letters in green ink to every grandchild
- Hymns hummed over the dishes
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In her words
Things she always said
- “Plant something, even if it’s only a bean.”
- “There’s always room for one more at the table.”
- “Read it twice before you send it.”
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In the garden
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A prayer
The Lord is my shepherd
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
King James Version. Public domain.
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Forever in our hearts
Loved always. Remembered every spring, when the roses come back.
Eleanor Rose Whitaker · April 3, 1939 – September 28, 2026