Eleanor K. Willhard

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Eleanor K. Willhard

May 10, 1930 ~ January 30, 2020

Eleanor Kathryn (Hughes) Willhard of Bountiful, Utah was born in Greybull, Wyoming on May 10, 1930 and passed away peacefully in the loving company of family on January 30, 2020.

Her early childhood years were spent in Kansas until, when she was 10, the family moved back to Wyoming. Her father owned and operated the Hughes (grain) Elevator in Riverton, Wyoming, where Eleanor was one of three valedictorians of her high school class. She was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society and Chi Omega Sorority, and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and minor in English.

Eleanor married her college sweetheart, Wallace (Wally) Willhard, on June 6, 1953 and had eight children in 11 years.

She was a member of the League of Women Voters and was frequently inspired to take a stand on issues. She was a devoted member of St. Olaf Parish, where she was involved with numerous groups and activities, was a supporter and parent at St. Olaf Catholic School, served as a minister of the Eucharist, taught mystagogy, and was active in the Council of Women (receiving the Woman of the Year award).

Eleanor spent 10 years working for refugee resettlement and Catholic Community Services to help refugees settle and find a better life in America. She also worked for H&R Block as a tax consultant for 39 years before finally retiring when she was 81 years old.

The family would especially like to thank the Knowles family, who lived across the street for nearly 60 years, for their decades of friendship and assistance. They somehow always seemed to be there when needed. We love and appreciate you.

Eleanor is survived by her eight children Linda, Janet (Eugene), Susan (Allen), Dave (Lora), Tim, Paula (Brett), Anne, and Mike (Tammy); nine grandchildren Carly, Lauren, Emily, Sarah, Travis, Brian, Josh, Dillon, and Sam; and brother, Joe (Nancy) Hughes. Preceded in death by her husband, Wally Willhard, parents, Paul B. and Burnys Hughes, and son-in-law, Patrick Johnson.

A funeral Mass will be held at noon, Saturday, February 8 at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 277 East 1800 South, Bountiful; followed by a Celebration of Life.

In memory of Eleanor and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Olaf Catholic School (www.stolafs.org) or to Catholic Community Services (www.ccsutah.org).