Eloise Demeter (Hendrickson)

Eloise was born to Elmer and Evelyn Hendrickson on October 9, 1945 in Grants Pass, Oregon. Eloise attended local schools in Grants Pass, and graduated class of 1963. She was then accepted to Ambassador College in Pasadena, California. While attending there, her incredible typing skills documented at 97 words per minute on a MANUAL TYPEWRITER quickly landed her a job at the college's news bureau. It was there she met her future husband Tom Demeter. Eloise graduated college in 1968 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts, married Tom six months later and twelve months after that, her first child Aniko was born. Fourteen months later Daniel was born and they purchased their first home on Santa Rosa Ave. in Altadena. Four years later in 1975, the family moved to Santa Maria as Tom became business partners with his brother John in the photography business. Then in December, Eloise gave birth to Jonathan, her third child.

For 23 years, Eloise got to work her "Dream Job" at Marian Children's Center and made life long friendships.

Paula, Stella, Tiffany, Wella, and Juanita were especially close friends. Eloise was also blessed with special friends Faye, Margo, and Brian from the Center.

One of her greatest joys was spending as much time as possible with her eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A few years after her retirement, Eloise was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. Though devastating, Eloise remarkably took it with grace and a few tears. She knew the Lord was in complete control. The tumor resulted in Eloise losing many of life's abilities we all take for granted. Although her life was altered, it was not lost. After her surgery, her eldest son Daniel and his wife Patti lovingly took care of her in their home. The family would especially like to thank Kim Passmore and the Hospice staff who were exceptionally caring throughout Mom's battle. Eloise was received into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on February 9, 2016.

Throughout her entire life, Eloise's relationship with God and her small town values gave her the nurturing spirit for children and life which translated and touched everyone around her. We love you Mom.

Predeceased by her parents and brother Ken, she is survived by brothers Jerry and Don. She is also survived by former spouse Tom Demeter, daughter Aniko, son Daniel (Patricia) and son Jonathan (Karen) and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Coast Hills Baptist Church 650 West Rice Ranch Road.