Eleanor Jean Haak

Eleanor Jean Haak, a woman of boundless compassion and adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully in her home on January 23, 2026. Born on July 25, 1933, in Indiana to Clarence Bull and Eleanor DeWitt, Eleanor lived a life defined by her devotion to others and an unwavering heart.

Eleanor’s journey began in Indiana, where she pursued her passion for helping others at Purdue University. After earning her nursing degree, she dedicated her professional life to the care of patients, eventually retiring from the VA Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her colleagues and patients knew her not just for her medical skill, but for the profound empathy she brought to every bedside.

To know Eleanor was to be loved by her. While she was a mother by birth, her maternal love extended far beyond her own biological children—a trait so well-known that she went by the CB radio handle “Mother Goose.” She spent her life opening her home and her heart to anyone in need.

She believed that family was built through love and action, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Eleanor’s adventurous soul led her to the skies as she pursued her pilot’s license—a testament to her bravery and her sky-is-the-limit approach to life. Though she faced great sorrows, she met them with grace. Her legacy lives on in the many people who call her Mom, Grandma, or Friend. She will be remembered for her caring nature, her fierce independence, and a heart that was simply too big for words.

She is survived by: Her son, Daniel Haak, adoptive daughter and granddaughter, Nicole Fryar (Haak), and a host of beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by: Her sons, Robert Haak and John Haak, brother, Orrin Scott Reed, and parents Clarence Bull and Eleanor DeWitt.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eleanor’s extraordinary life on February 6, 2026 at Gross Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. A burial will follow at Crestview Cemetery in Hot Springs, AR.