Eleanor Jessup

Eleanor Marie (Arnold) Jessup, 90, died at her home on Monday, April 25, 2005. She was born May 29, 1914 to Fred & Iva (Sias) Arnold in Bethany Township.
How do you sum up 90 years of lifea�(TM)s memories into a few paragraphs? She was the 8th of 9 children and was quickly nicknamed Steve, by her older brothers. She graduated from Breckenridge High School and then from County Normal with a teaching certificate where she taught in the Gratiot County rural schools for six years.
While boarding at the Otis and Flora Jessup home, she met her future husband, J. Henry Jessup. They eloped on April 30, 1938. From that time on, she shared his right hand traveling the pathway of life together raising four children and farming their fields. She was a 4H leader for 25 years teaching many young girls the skill of sewing in her dining room at home. She was a wonderful quilter and knitter so we have our homes adorned with her special arts. Her homemade meals, pies, and other goodies could not be topped by any gourmet chef.
In her later years she remained busy at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building where she made many special and memorable friends. She was an avid card player and learned to play the game of bridge while in her 80s. She couldna�(TM)t wait for the euchre and bridge games to begin.
She showed her special never ending love to her husband and children. She has left us with many fond memories that we will hold dear to our hearts until that day comes when we will meet her in Heaven where she now resides with angels.
Eleanor is survived by her four children: Philip and Judy Jessup of Weatherford, TX; Sally and John Monroe of Ithaca; Linda and Glenn Drake of North Branch; John and Mary Jessup of Crystal; six grandchildren: Susan and Duane Sjoquist II; Becky and Steve Brock; Janeea�(TM)Jessup; Betsy and Brandon Mayberry; Tim and Andrea Drake; Aaron and Gena Drake; and last but not least her five great grandchildren: Duane III and Clara Sjoquist; Anne, Jacob, and Levi Brock; two step great grandchildren Cameron & Zachary. She is also survived by two sisters and one brother: Ethel Miller of St. Charles, Lucille Harris of Montana, and Orde of Rose City; one sister in law Margaret and Dick Peacock of Mecosta; and many nieces and nephews
She was predeceased by her husband J. Henry in July 2003, her loving soulmate of 65 years. Eleanor wrote, "What a wonderful life I have had and thank you God and all for making it so." Eleanor was a member of the Ithaca United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel on Thursday April 28, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor David McBride of the Ithaca United Methodist Church officiating and also a special tribute given by Jo Jones. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8. Burial will be at the Ithaca Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Activity Building or Gratiot Area Hospice. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca Chapel.
Read Eleanor Jessup's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.