Eleanor Ann Ergle

After a 7 year ordeal with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Eleanor Ann Ergle, 82, drew her last breath early morning November 10, 2016 as she was surrounded by her loving family. She championed love in the lives of others, especially leaving a serious impact of love in the lives of her family, forever cherished and passed on.

It was common for Gma Ann (as she was affectionately known) to reach out to others throughout her life. She housed strangers who needed room and board, served at the homeless shelter kitchen feeding the needy, rescued abused children, made donations to many charitable organizations, made dolls for orphans, spent countless hours blessing her family sewing professional grade clothing, she gave her time and attention without thought of herself…

Gma Ann was accomplished in many way, she received a BS in chemistry (rare for woman to do in her day), worked as a laboratory tech at Cottonwood Hospital after her children were older, loved to swim, read (constantly), sang and made professional CDs with the Jay Welsh Chorale, enjoyed exercise and even climbed to the top of Mt Olympus at age 47 with her daughter Evie.

She loved gardening and marveled how her garden grew, noting even the littlest changes with awe. In her last summer, it was difficult to get out in the yard (this was the only year she didn't personally plant a garden) but she insisted that particular flowers and a tomato plant reside next to the window she sat by so she could watch it and enjoy it. Her intellect was keen all her life, as was her wit, curiosity, fascination of discovery and intelligent conversation she enjoyed regularly.

Gma Ann was modest in her opinion of herself because she was fully aware of her imperfections and shortcomings. However, those who knew her would agree there was something very special about her. The effects of her love are now being passed on to generations who are benefitting and blessing others because of Ann's love.

Perhaps the most amazing part of Gma Ann's life is when she came to fully receive and rely on Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. This happened only in the last 7 months of her life, but the effects of her transformation were apparent to all who knew her.

She grew quickly in God as He was filling her. She was amazed at the sensitivity of a loving God who even helped her thread her sewing machine needle after she lost depth perception in her eyes, or when she said prayers throughout the day for her family and saw the results after time comparisons of events were discussed, or learned how to make the spirit of oppression and depression leave her alone.

She loved God so much that towards the end of her life when things became more difficult and painful she told her healthcare workers, "I would rather have the pain and feel God than to be on pain medications that make my head dull and cloudy."

Although Gma Ann was amazing and loving by nature throughout her lifetime, her transformation in God was a most miraculous event and she thanked God for it daily. Her family takes comfort knowing her faith made her unafraid of death and gave her hope for the life to come.

Gma Ann will be greatly missed, but her example and love fills many hearts and has left a wonderful legacy that continues to be passed onto others.

She is proceded in death by her husband John "Jack" Ergle, five of her siblings including her twin brother. Survived by her oldest sibling Harriet Garner; her two children Evie Wilson (Jeff), John Ergle; seven grandchildren Ambrea Banagas (Randal), Jordan Wilson, Shaleah Marschke (Andre), Kayla Gaertner (Israel), Autumn Wilson, Ariannah Wilson, Jacob Ergle; and 7 great grandchildren.