Eleanor F. Milenski

November 1, 1912 - January 9, 2010

Eleanor Milenski, 97, of La Junta, died Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Nursing Care Center East in La Junta. Vigil for the deceased is set for Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. and funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. , Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Rocky Ford, CO. Eleanor Milenski was born Nov. 1, 1912 in Rocky Ford, Colorado, the daughter of Emile and Edith (Bacon) Zumbrunnen. She was educated in the Rocky Ford schools, graduating in 1930. Upon completing two years of State Teachers College in Greeley, CO, she obtained a teaching certificate. Eleanor taught elementary school south of Rocky Ford for a year before her marriage on June 10, 1935 to Frank Milenski, also of Rocky Ford. The couple farmed several places before moving in 1943 to their farm south of Swink, where they spent the next 56 years. Over the years, their oldest son, Joe, and his son, Frank, joined them in the farming operation. A year after her husband's death in November 1998, Eleanor moved to Evergreen Gardens assisted-living in La Junta, staying there eight years before transferring to the nursing home in the same city. Eleanor was a very active mother and wife, supporting all the family activities wholeheartedly. She was a good friend and neighbor to many, and particularly enjoyed the Rural Neighbors group and the Elena Club. She was an active member of the Catholic Church, first in Rocky Ford, then La Junta, where she was the last Chartered Member, holding offices in the Catholic Daughters of America, and serving on many church projects. She supported the Swink Schools by serving in the PTA, and occasionally substitute teaching. As a cancer survivor and a Cancermount volunteer, she counseled many facing the fears of that disease. Eleanor enjoyed people—meeting them, making them feel at ease, entertaining them in her home, and lending a helping hand when necessary. She also enjoyed having the fresh produce of the farm to share with her friends and neighbors. Her other interests included observing nature, cooking, singing, and writing letters. The explorations of the planet Mars fascinated her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her parents; and sisters, Dawn Allen and Eva Spade; and a great grandson, Wes Ramsey. Eleanor is survived by her children, Joe (Bonnie) of Guymon, OK; Frances (Bob) Burr of Windsor, CO; Bridget (Jim) Crisp of Forest Grove, OR; and Bill (Dianna) of Swink. Her grandchildren include Beth (Jim) Burns of Rye, CO; Frank Milenski (Michelle Rorick) of Swink; Lisa (Tab) Ramsey of Swink; Theresa (Jim) Stuhlman of Phildelphia, PA; Carolyn Burr (Allen Miller) of Denver, CO; Becky (Mark) Chasse of Portland, OR; Alison Milenski of Denver; and Kaylin Milenski of Greeley, CO. She has thirteen great-grand children. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to a church or charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.