Ileta Lois Eichelberger, 81, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 21, 2008 in her home of 49 years in Boise, Idaho. Lois was born on May 3, 1926 in Gladstone, N.M. to Felix G. Woodard and Evy Lola (McAllister) Woodard.
Lois moved with her family through California, Oregon, and then to Idaho.
She met and married Frank C. Eichelberger at Kuna Baptist Church. On May 5, 1946 they began their 61 years of marriage. During World War II, Lois was a timekeeper at Simplot Potato Plant in Caldwell. She then worked for 25 years preparing lunches for the kids at Garfield Elementary, but still didn't seem to tire of cooking for her family. Her generosity was constantly surprising-even though it was also surprisingly constant. Lois loved to knit slippers in every color and pattern and made many blankets for those in need at Christmas. She made clothes for her girls and grandkids. Lois was an active member of Whitney Baptist Church where she donated her time by teaching Sunday school for 20 years, and arranging flowers to brighten up the sanctuary.
Lois was a great cook, and made many delicious pies, although the crust was no secret recipe passed down from generation to generation-but rather off the side of the Crisco tin. It wasn't where the recipe came from that made it special. It was her that made it great. This is true of her-it's not where she came from or even what she did that made her special. It was just her that was great, and that's why we love her. Lois is survived by her husband, Frank C. Eichelberger, and their two daughters: Shirley Eichelberger of Fall Creek, Ore. and Wanda and husband Vern Barnett of Boise, Idaho, and daughter-in-law Juni Eichelberger of Boise, Idaho. Grandchildren: Jodi Eichelberger, New York, N.Y.; Angela and husband Joshua Tran, Beaverton, Ore.; Kendra and husband Sean Rasmussen, Boise, Idaho; Tami Barnett, Boise, Idaho; Krystal Eichelberger, Boise, Idaho. Great-grandchildren: Nataya and Traece Rasmussen and Grace Tran. She is survived by her brother, Ivan Woodard, sister, Dora Bell, and many nieces and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her son Kenneth Eichelberger, parents Felix and Lola, brother Clifton, and sisters Louise and Marie. Honoring Lois begins with a viewing for family and friends at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel on Thursday, March 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. The memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 28, at Whitney Baptist Church, 2309 Dorian Street, Boise. Burial will follow at Dry Creek Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will follow back at Whitney Baptist Church. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Whitney Baptist Church.
Published in the Idaho Statesman on 3/27/2008.