She was the youngest of eight children. Eleanor married James D. Darnell on January 26, 1943. They were married for 66 years at the time of his death in 2009. Eleanor and Jim moved to Peoria as a young couple.
They had two children, June Zinser and James O. Darnell. Eleanor worked as a beautician for many years. She enjoyed casinos, soap operas and game shows, as well as cooking, gardening and spending time with her family.
She was predeceased by her parents, siblings Viola, William, Mildred, Louis, Forrest, Orville, and Virginia, and her daughter, June. She is survived by her son James (Julie) of Peoria Heights; grandchildren, Richard Zinser (Myra) of Austin, TX; James Semmelroth Darnell (Leah) of Columbus, OH; Jenna Walters (Greg) of Peoria Heights; and great-grandchildren Haley and Greyson.
A family memorial service will be held privately. She will be laid to rest at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
In honor of the exceptional nursing care she received, memorials in Eleanor's memory can be made to the JoAnn Landis Semelroth Nursing Scholarship at Methodist College, through UnityPoint Health Central Illinois Foundation, 5409 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, 61614.
The family also wishes to thank her caregiver Peggy for all of the services, kindness and care she provided.
Online tributes may be made at www.davison-fulton.com
