Eloise Weatherford

Eloise Alford was born on April 23, 1926, in Independence, Kansas, to Ida Mae Holland Alford and Homer Gillis Alford. Independence remained a special place in Eloise’s heart throughout her life. She loved its people, its history, and especially its traditions—including Neewollah, Independence’s huge annual celebration held each fall around Halloween, with a name that is “Halloween” spelled backward. It was a tradition she enjoyed and remembered fondly.

After high school, Eloise married Donald Clarence Ahmann in July 1944. They had two children, Stephen, born in 1946, and Christine, born in 1949. Following their separation in 1962, Eloise took over Alford’s Flowers in Independence, beginning an important new chapter in her life.

In 1964, Eloise married Reuben “Ben” Weatherford. In 1970, they moved to Galveston, Texas, a place Eloise came to love deeply. She talked about Galveston often and carried fond memories of her years there throughout her life.

In 1987, Eloise relocated to Kansas City, where her daughter, Christine, and her three grandchildren lived. Kansas City became home once again, surrounded by family and the community she had known for many years.

Eloise was a lifetime member of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church on the Plaza, a place that held special meaning throughout her life.

Eloise was sharp-minded and possessed an extraordinary memory. She loved reading, music, singing, writing letters, and staying connected with her dear friends. She cared deeply about nature and the environment and took an active interest in politics and religion. She had strong opinions, a distinctive personality, and a way of being completely herself. Above all, she wanted the world to be a better place—a world filled with more love, kindness, and compassion.

In 2015, Eloise moved into Kingswood, where she volunteered as a librarian and became part of the community.

Eloise loved her family in her own unique ways. She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, along with dear friends and a lifetime of memories.

Her favorite flower was the gardenia. There was something especially fitting about that—its delicate beauty, its unmistakable fragrance, and the way it could quietly fill a room with its presence. Much like Eloise, a gardenia did not need to demand attention to be remembered. Its beauty lingered.

Eloise Weatherford lived 100 years.