In 1977 she married Henry F. Edwards, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Marianne Pattillo and her two step daughters, by three brothers: Richard M. Rovnyak, wife Judith Ann, their seven children, twelve grandchildren, and six great grandchildren; James L. Rovnyak, wife Virginia, their two children and two grandchildren; George C. Rovnyak, wife Barbara, their three children and five grandchildren. She is also survived by her two stepchildren: Wayne Edwards, wife Brenda, and their two children and four grandchildren; Linda S. Edwards; and by her beloved friend and caregiver Maria Mejia and her Saenz family.
After attending St. Mary’s Parochial School and Ford City High School, Eleanor trained as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. In 1959 she joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. She had tours in Okinawa, Spain, and Germany and loved to travel. She rode elephants in India and once had a spin with the elite Australian formation aerobatic fliers. While in the Air Force, she took college courses and earned credits that were applied to her B.S. in Nursing degree from Texas Christian University; in May 1974 at her baccalaureate-commencement services, Eleanor was recognized as the top graduate in a class of 1029 students, the only student with a perfect straight A record. Eleanor was a specialist in operating room nursing. The Air Force assigned her to Health Care Sciences at Sheppard Air Force Base from 1974 to 1980, where, as supervisor of the operating room specialist course, she was responsible for the training of over 1100 graduates. Eleanor rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. She was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding achievement and retired honorably from the Air Force after twenty years of service.
Eleanor was an active and beloved member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Wichita Falls. Never one to remain idle, she took up square dancing and quilting. She is remembered for her generosity to church, family, and many charities. Described by one friend as someone who is easy to love, she will be missed by many.
Services are as follows: Friday Feb. 3, 9:30 to 10:30 Viewing at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 4040 York St., Wichita Falls, TX 76309, 940-696-1253; 10:30 Funeral Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Military Funeral at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 2200 Santa Fe, Wichita Falls, TX.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com for the Edwards family.
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