Beatrice Eileen Crist

Beatrice “Eileen” Crist went home to heaven on May19, 2024. Born on July 22, 1925 to Harry and Blanch Miller, Eileen was a curious and busy child. She loved attending school and running track. She liked to go roller skating and helped her mother garden and can vegetables. At seventeen years old, Eileen took a leap of faith and married her husband of sixty-seven years, Robert, as he enlisted in World War II. She lived in Washington state and Washington, D.C. while Bob was deployed in Japan. She was a hard worker, and found jobs at banks and dress shops to support herself for the years Bob was overseas.

After the war ended, Bob and Eileen returned to Indiana. They found work in the automotive industry. Eileen worked at Delco Remy for thirty years. She was mechanically minded and submitted several ideas for patents to General Motors that are included in today’s cars. She loved to chat and regale those around her with stories from her travels and life. Eileen and Bob moved to Sarasota, Florida upon retirement, spending many wonderful years walking the beach, eating out, riding bikes, and keeping busy. Eileen enjoyed creating stained glass art and was an excellent hostess who loved to entertain. She was known to leave drinks and her baked goods on a small table at the end of the driveway at her Florida home for her neighbors to enjoy. Bob and Eileen also enjoyed going to the Indianapolis 500.

Eileen and Bob loved their nieces and nephews greatly. They were delighted to have them visit them in Florida. As the host of Christmas, she would set up a large food buffet and decorated the house completely. She loved to laugh and remained resilient in her later years as health issues caused her to slow down. She always had a story to tell and was witty. Eileen will be missed greatly by all who loved her.

Private graveside services will be held at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery, north of Muncie.

Elm Ridge Funeral Home has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at elmridgefuneralhome.com for the family.