Elinor Etterling

Elinor was born in Elgin, Illinois to Lewis and Edith Crabtree. Her family moved to Kansas City, Missouri in September 1946 and lived at 3316 Benton Blvd. She attended Central High School, Bob Jones University in South Carolina, Kansas City Junior College and University of Missouri at Kansas City. Elinor received three degrees : Bachelors, Masters and Specialist

She taught in the Kansas City Missouri School District beginning in 1964 at Meservey for 3 years, Nelson School, that was connected with the University, for 4 years and then as a principal for 23 years at Benjamin Harrison and John T. Hartman Schools. Under her care, Hartman enjoyed a student waiting list. It was a wonderful school. And she spoke fondly of her three years at Benjamin Harrison as well.

Elinor received many recognitions including ABWA Woman of the Year and the Delta State Achievement Award. She served as secretary of the National Administrative Women's Organization. She served Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma as second vice president and president; The State of Missouri of Delta Kappa Gamma as 2 nd vice president and state president; serving on several international committees of Delta Kappa Gamma International as well.

She received recognitions as a principal from the K. C. Public School System and the state of Missouri. She also served as President of the Royal Ridge American Business Women's Association and after retirement served as treasurer of the Kansas City Retired Teachers' Organization. Elinor was a Bible Teacher for many years, writing also for the Southern Baptist Sunday School publication. She had an opportunity to serve on two pulpit committees at Loma Vista Baptist Church. The family joined First Baptist Church, Raytown in 1971 at the urging of their son David.

Elinor married Robert Etterling in 1953 and they had two much loved sons: David Robert and Jon Richard. Robert died on December 29, 1999 and their precious son David died on December 28, 2021. Rick became her right hand support, who she was very close to. She loved and cherished him and his gentle care of her as she grew older. She said she was blessed beyond measure to have such a wonderful son to see her on to heaven.

The family built a house in Raytown, Missouri in 1966. She lived there for over 58 years. Such a great block of amazing neighbors who kept watch over her. And many dear friends and family who surrounded her with love and care.

Her great loves were her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, her parents, her husband Robert and their two sons, David and Rick, her daughter in law Carol and grandson Alex and all of her family and friends.

Elinor is survived by her son Jon Richard (Rick), her daughter in law, Carol, grandson Alexander Etterling ( Alex) and many precious nieces, nephews and friends.

She had a wonderful life.

And she would tell each one reading this that they can be sure of heaven as well if they confess they are sinners and accept that Christ's death on the cross was for them and in their place. So simple. Don't miss it. It's for eternity after all.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution to Kansas City Hospice Foundation may be made, see the link below for further information.