She was born July 11, 1923 in Bridger, Montana to Seth and Anna Lyden. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward LeClaire, her sister, Helen Baumgartner, and her brother, Richard Lyden. Eleanor is survived by her children Rhea Beachler (Jim), and Claudia Fried (Bill), her Grandchildren, Christy Holman (Tom), Steven Beachler (Kayo), Melissa Pilon (Dan) and Adam Fried. Also surviving her are 6 Great Grandchildren: Camryn, Sydney and Trevin (Holman),
Ryoma (Beachler), and Audrey and Emily (Pilon), along with nieces and nephews.
Ellie, or Ellie Lily, or Miss Ellie, as she was known, was a dedicated homemaker. She loved to play bridge, play the organ, do needlework and crafts, and she loved to read. Ellie and Ed used to love to dance and belonged to a Dance Club for many years. The Polka, was a favorite. She loved being with her family. She was a Charter Member and Elder of Knox United Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kansas. She was a Girl Scout Leader for many years and also helped out with Job’s Daughters. She became a teacher and taught school in Baker, Montana before marrying Ed, the love of her life. Before they were married, she traveled for many days from Billings, Montana to San Diego, California where Ed was stationed in the U.S. Navy. They were married August 18th, 1944 and were married for 51 years.
She loved spending time with family and friends at the family cabin near Red Lodge, Montana. An avid bird watcher, she also loved cats and dogs. She made friends wherever she was and will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to have known and loved her.
The family would like to give a Special Thanks to the dedicated staff of Garden Villas, who made her last retirement years so pleasant for her. A special thank you to Delmar Gardens Private Services, whose nursing Aides gave Ellie so much love and attention! We would also like to thank Evelyn’s House Hospice so much for helping Ellie and us, through this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made in Memory of Eleanor to the following organizations:
EVELYN’S HOUSE HOSPICE. Donate on line bjchospice.org
1000 N. Mason Rd.
Creve Coeur, Missouri 63141.
Or
THE HUMANE SOCIETY
1201 Macklind Ave.
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
The family will have a private service and a Celebration of Eleanor’s Life
In Montana next summer.
To leave a favorite memory of Ellie for her family to cherish, click the "Share a Memory" link below.
To see this obituary online, please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/saint-louis-mo/eleanor-leclaire-8123506
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