Cherry Valley, IL

Eleanor Blackmer, 89, of cheery Valley, Il passed away peacefully, Monday afternoon, September 16, 2014 in her home.  Eleanor was born January 26, 1925 to Charles D. and Isis M. (Gines) Hoss in rural Lyons, Indiana without the benefit of a doctor, due to a severe snow storm.  She was the 6th daughter in a family that eventually numbered 13 children, 10 girls and 3 boys.

Eleanor graduated from high school in Washington, Indiana and went on to Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois.  After earning her teaching certification, she taught grade school for 5 years, 1 year in southern Illinois, 1 year in Ogle County, and 3 years in Boone County.  She retired from teaching after marrying Vernon Blackmer in 1950, and having her 1st son, Larry in 1951.

Eleanor spent the remainder of her life in service to friends, neighbors, family, and God.  She was an active member of Flora Home Mission, Flora Church Ladies Aide, Boone County Home Extension and Bible study groups for years.  She thoroughly enjoyed her time with each of these organizations; having sewn dozens of lap robes for the rest homes and cooked for countless bake sales, church dinners and the like.

Eleanor and Vernon celebrated 64 years together in March of 2014.  She especially enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens, sewing, and sharing her garden produce with her friends, neighbors, and relatives.  She often would stop by neighbors' houses with dessert or a dozen ears of sweet corn…or flowers, apples or whatever.

Preceded in death by her parents; 8 siblings and her 1st born son, Larry.  She is survived by loving husband, Vernon; son, Jerry (Liz); daughter, Nan (Geno) Cuppini; son, Jim (Terri); 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Marilyn (James) Weaver and Sharon (Pete) Maldenado; 2 brothers, Paul (Sherri) Hoss and C. David (Amy) Hoss; and several precious nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2014 in Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Chapel, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL with Rev. Pam Rossmiller of Grace United Methodist Church officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to service time Friday at the funeral home. Burial in Flora Cemetery.  To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com