Eleanor L. Kniker of Ames died March 19 from complications associated with a fall. There will be a gathering of friends on Thursday, March 20 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Grandon Funeral Home 414 Lincoln Way in Ames. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ames United Church of Christ-Congregational, Sixth and Kellogg Avenue. The cremains will be laid to rest at the Iowa State University Cemetery.
Eleanor LeAnn Orth was born August 8, 1937 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Eldon and Martha Orth. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1955. She received an R.N. from Deaconess School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri, where she served as in instructor after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. She later taught at the Roosevelt University School of Nursing in New York City.
In 1985 she earned a Masters degree in Adult and Continuing Education at Iowa State. She worked in the Continuing Education and Conference Office at ISU for a number of years assisting professors in offering distance learning courses.
As a devoted mother of two sons, she was a passionate advocate for grade school foreign language instruction. She was also active in the Ames United Church of Christ-Congregational and Faith Church in Bryan-College Station, Texas, where her husband served as pastor for two years. She served as "first lady" at Eden Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, when her husband was president.
In 1998 she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor and over the next 10 years underwent numerous surgeries and medical procedures. Her patience, fortitude, and grace in the face of tremendous suffering were an inspiration to all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Dr. Charles Kniker; sons Ted (Krista) of Oak Hill, Virginia, and Tim (Kara) of Georgetown, Massachusetts; granddaughter Alexis Kniker; grandsons Samuel and C. Frederick Kniker; brother Eldon DeVerne Orth of Lincoln, Nebraska; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Ames United Church of Christ-Congregational (for Christian education of children) or Green Hills Retirement Community Health Care Center (employee education fund).