Eleanor Sue Klass

Eleanor Sue Klass, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of unwavering faith, was born on March 29, 1951, in Charleston, West Virginia. She was the only child of Charles Edward Wise and Nora Susan Wise, yet she was never alone—her cousins Jay and Valerie were cherished as her siblings throughout her life.

Eleanor grew up in the family home built by her grandfather, surrounded by the loving guidance of her parents and grandparents. That home, and the people within it, laid the foundation for what would become her life’s defining identity: a devoted child of God.

Eleanor’s life was forever changed in the summer of 1965 when, during her family’s visits to Denver, she met a young boy named Wayne Klass at Ruby London’s Indian Assembly of God Church. She was 15; he was 14. What began as a youthful friendship would, in God’s time, become a lifelong love story.

Years later, as a young mother seeking a fresh start for herself and her son William (Frankie), Eleanor moved to Colorado to live with her Aunt Anne and Uncle Bud. Unbeknownst to her, Wayne had also recently moved to Denver. Once again, church brought them back together. Their friendship deepened, blossoming into a courtship. Eleanor told Wayne with sincerity and strength, “In order for us to be together, you must accept both me and my son.” Wayne agreed without hesitation. Their love, rooted in faith and mutual respect, grew from that moment on.

Eleanor and Wayne were married before God on July 3, 1975, at the United Methodist Church in Denver, surrounded by the support of Wayne’s sister Mae and brother-in-love Manual (Bernie). Their marriage was a testament to God’s love—two people from seemingly different worlds united by shared faith, deep devotion, and an unshakeable commitment to family.

Together they built a life centered on their greatest joy and accomplishment: family. After their marriage, they welcomed two more children, Edward (Eddie) and April. Eleanor taught her children through her words and her example—to love God first, to treat others with kindness, and to cherish family above all else.

Eleanor’s children—William Klass, Edward Klass, and April Klass—will forever remember her as caring, loving, hardworking, and endlessly selfless. She went without so her children never had to. She passed down treasured family recipes, shared her love for the outdoors through fishing, camping, and scenic mountain drives, and—of course—kept an impeccably clean home. Saturdays were cleaning days, but also days filled with laughter, warmth, and the structure she believed would guide her children well. Most importantly, she taught them to love God and trust His plans.

Her grandchildren are Brianna Klass, Austin Klass, Aiyana Klass, Jalyn Jewitt, Jashawn Williams, and Trinity Klass. Her great grandchildren are Jace Douglas and Kaylani Jewett.

Eleanor was a gifted student and leader in her youth. She attended Capitol High School, where she excelled academically, served as a majorette and cheerleader, and proudly led her library club. She graduated in 1970.

In her professional life, Eleanor was dedicated and admired. She built a 32-year career with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, beginning in the mailroom in 1976 and retiring on January 30, 2009, as a Customer Service Representative. She earned multiple promotions by mastering every task given to her. She was the person coworkers turned to when they needed help—dependable, knowledgeable, respectful, and kind. Her longtime manager often said, “I might not know the answer, but Ellie will.”

Eleanor lived a full and joyful life. She loved attending church and fellowshipping with others. She journaled daily, enjoyed cooking and hosting holidays, played Bingo, loved card games like rummy and canasta, and cherished family gatherings. She enjoyed the outdoors, long drives into the mountains, and even the occasional trip to the hills of Blackhawk. Her favorite scriptures and hymns—especially Matthew 6:33 (KJV), Mansion Over the Hilltop, and What a Friend We Have in Jesus—reflected her steadfast faith. She often comforted others with the words, “If the Lord tarries.”

Those who knew her will forever remember her radiant smile, her kindness, the joy she carried, and the way she shared her love for Jesus—both in how she lived and how she loved.

Eleanor passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends who deeply cherished her. Her faith, the core pillar of her life, continues to guide those she leaves behind. Though she would have been sad to leave her family, she left this world filled with joy—knowing her children and grandchildren knew Jesus for themselves. She longed for the day she would meet her Savior face-to-face and dance before the Lord.

Her legacy is one of unconditional love, unwavering faith, and a life lived with grace, strength, and devotion.

May we honor her by living as she did—loving God first, loving one another well, and holding family close.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Living Waters Tabernacle, located at 1701 S. Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado, 80210, on December 8, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A reception will follow the services at the church, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.