Elinor King Eaton

1937-2014 Elinor King Eaton, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, was born on May 7th, 1937, in Vernal, Utah, to Stanley and Isla King. She passed away peacefully on June 26, 2014 from complications of a stroke suffered 3 1/2 years earlier. She was being cared for by all of her immediate family when she died. During her earlier years in Vernal, she loved to go on the mountain to camp and hunt with her parents, Isla and Stan. She loved to swim, was a fine diver, and was very athletic. Later in school, she became a talented leader participating in many activities, which included cheerleader and being elected student body president of Uintah High School in 1955. As a sophomore in high school, Ellie won the "I Speak for Democracy" speech contest, and was awarded a two-week tour of the U.S. east coast. That same year, she wrote in her journal, "I spent my eighth grade learning to be nice to other people." After high school, she attended Utah State University for a year, majoring in Microbiology. Ellie enjoyed studying and learning, and later attended a class or two at Brigham Young University. In 1956, she married Valoy Eaton in the Salt Lake Temple. Their 58 years of marriage together have been loving, wonderful and gospel-centered. She has been a very supportive wife during the many years that she and Valoy both served in leadership positions in the LDS church. Some of the callings in which Ellie faithfully served included: President of Relief Society, Primary and Young Women. In later years she served as a temple worker in the Vernal Temple. Family was a huge priority for Ellie. She loved being a mother. She loved being with her children and grandchildren. She tried to keep track of all the activities in which they were involved, including watching them play basketball and perform other talents. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Ellie had a passion for and was actively involved in her artist husband's profession, and her spirit and influence have been present in each of his paintings. Valoy gives Ellie credit for strongly encouraging him to pursue his career. During their 58 years together she was his business partner, and kept detailed track of each painting. She was a superb art critic and was a very graceful model for his scenes of rural life. Through her support and enthusiasm and her efforts to maintain a creative atmosphere, she was responsible for much of their success. During the years they lived in Midway, Ellie wrote and produced an excellent play called, "Midway Milestones and Memories", which had two performances for two nights to a full house. Approximately 800 people responded with a standing ovation. She also served on the Midway planning board and was a delegate from Wasatch, and later Uintah County, for the State Republican Convention. She was a patriot. Ellie was a pleasant, charming and loving person who influenced countless lives. She had a special talent for listening with full attention. She truly cared about family, friends and acquaintances. Ellie was a great example of "Be of Good Cheer", and lived to serve others. Her posterity is now rising up to call her blessed. She is survived by her husband Valoy Eaton, Midway; children Kristene Gerber (Gary) Vernal, Alan Eaton (Aleisa) Mapleton, David Eaton (Jenni) Sandy, Dale Eaton (Wendy) Mapleton, Nathan Eaton (Stacey) Midway; sister, Linda Hoff (Walt) Fruita, Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. in the Glines 5th Ward Chapel (1270 West 1500 South). Friends and family may call at the Church, Friday evening from 6-8 and on Saturday from 12:45-1:45 p.m. until the time of services all at the Church. Burial will in the Vernal Memorial Park, services have been entrusted to the care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com