Born December 14, 1942 in Hannibal, Missouri to Joseph and Martha (Myers) Allen, she married Jerry Foust on November 14, 1959. She later married Russell Axtell on April 4, 1980. He died July 21, 2010.
She is now united in heaven with her parents; one son, Rocky and grandchildren, Bethany, Chase and Joey.
Surviving are three daughters, Robyn Foust of Morton and Rhonda Foust and Marcia Foust, both of Peoria; one son, David (Cindy) Foust of East Peoria; nine grandchildren, Nicole (Carrie), Sonya, Wendy (Nick), Danielle, Travis (BreAnna), Kristyn (Joe), Stephanie (Mark), Brittany (Mike Frost) and Kyle (Destiny); 32 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lisa (Roby) Brown and Karla (Dewey) Blair; two brothers, Joseph (Carol) Allen and Randy Allen and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Raised in Canton,, Missouri, she grew up with her younger brothers and many cousins. Somewhat of a free spirit, Eunice was known as a protective big sister and fun cousin. She probably gave her parents more than a few of their gray hairs!
She lived most of her adult life in Peoria, where she worked at Hiram Walker for many years. She later moved to Fort Myers, Florida where a couple of her children and many grandchildren lived at the time. There, she and Russ enjoyed the sunshine, time spent with grandchildren and their favorite activity, fishing. She also worked for Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Florida. Eunice later returned to the Peoria area where she lived for the past 15 years.
Eunice loved fishing, cooking, reading and above all else, her kids and grandkids, who she spent as much time with as possible. Getting together for a good cook out in the summer or some wintertime board games was a family favorite that I’m sure gave all of the grandchildren a love of spending quality time together that they are now passing down to their children.
Even as the Alzheimer’s slowly took over her mind and body, her kids and grandkids were a constant in her life, spending most weekends and their free time with her. Although Alzheimer’s had robbed her of her memories, she knew we were always present- that special way she would “wrinkle” her nose at us when we would say something she found amusing, let us know “she” knew we were there.
A special thank you to her daughter, Robyn, who did what no one else could have done, spending the last eight years as her primary caregiver, together with granddaughters, Sonya, Brittany and Stephanie. They selflessly took care of her every need. And daughter, Marcia and granddaughter, Kristyn, who took over the role in the past few months-making our mom as comfortable as possible in her finals days. Their selfless sacrifices are beyond measure and mom was so blessed to have you all.
The long goodbye to our family matriarch is over. We all take great comfort knowing that she is now whole again and reunited with loved ones. Rest in heaven, mom. Keep watching over us. We love you forever and always.
A gathering celebrating Eunice’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.
Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614 in Eunice’s honor.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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