Eloise June Griesmeyer

Obituary Eloise June Griesmeyer June 29, 1926 ~ November 22, 2014   Eloise June Griesmeyer (née McClanahan) passed away on November 22, 2014, in Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 88. Eloise impressed all who knew her by her kindness, sense of humor, and generosity of spirit. Eloise was born to Clarence and Mildred McClanahan on June 29, 1926, in Colorado. She had one younger brother, Mark.   In 1945 Eloise met the love of her life, Don Griesmeyer, in Denver and the two were married on January 1, 1946. They were happily joined until her death nearly 69 years later. Don and Eloise made their home in Colville, Washington, and later in Tacoma, Washington, where they raised six children. Eloise was an active member of the Mothers'Club at Holy Cross grade school and BellarmineHigh School. Later she had a successful career at First Interstate Bank, which became Wells Fargo, where she worked for 21 years. Don and Eloise began their next adventure upon retiring in 1990 and put over 400,000 miles on RVs visiting all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. They enjoyed over 25 years of travel with their good friends from the Elk's Travel Club. They had the trip of a lifetime in 2000 when they visited Ireland for five and a half weeks. Eloise and Don also played bridge for over 45 years with the same group of close friends.   Together, Eloise and Don built a loving family including their six children, eleven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Eloise leaves behind her husband, Don Griesmeyer; her children, Janice Womack, Linda Griesmeyer Krentz, Mike Griesmeyer, Bill Griesmeyer, Donna Snell, and Gary Griesmeyer as well as their spouses; her brother, Mark, and his wife, Faye McClanahan; her grandchildren, Juli Harris, Jennifer Coleman, Kathleen Poole, Lisa McLaughlin, Joseph Coleman, Brian Griesmeyer, Mary Coleman, Michelle Griesmeyer, Nicole Griesmeyer, and Nathan Griesmeyer; and her great grandchildren. In death, Eloise, is reunited with her parents, Clarence and Mildred McClanahan; and her grandson, Tom Coleman. Eloise touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.   Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 11:00am at Holy Cross Catholic Church (5510 N. 44th, Tacoma, WA 98407) followed by a reception. A Rosary will be recited with sharing on Friday, November 28, 2014 at 7:00pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel (1002 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405). Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery at a later date. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home (253) 572-6003.