Eleanor Gilpin

Eleanor Gilpin, age 94, of Grants Pass, died Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at her home.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Hull & Hull Chapel. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Asante Hospice, 2960 Drs. Park Road, Medford, Oregon 97504 or to the charity of your choice.

Eleanor was born October 13, 1914 in North Bend, Oregon to Andrew & Marjorie (Adkins Clark) Asboe. In 1932 she graduated from Grant High School in Portland and later attended business school there. She worked in both Portland and Seattle until World War II. At that time in 1942 she enlisted in the first WAAC battalion and in 1943 transferred to the WAC Air Corps with 1st Troop Carrier Command. In 1943 she was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant and left the military in late 1945 with the rank of Captain. On August 25, 1943 in New York City, she married Eugene C. Gilpin from The Dalles. In 1945 they moved to Grants Pass and from 1947 to 1971 they owned and operated Gilpin’s Valley Cleaners. Eleanor later worked at the Chamber of Commerce and Copeland Sand & Gravel.

She was a charter and life member of the Pink Ladies. She also was active in PTA and Cub Scouts when her children were young and was past president and member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Her hobbies included fishing, weaving, knitting, crossword puzzles, cryptographs, and reading. As a young woman, she also enjoyed snow skiing, sailing and golf.

Survivors include two sons, Eugene C. Gilpin Jr and wife Karen of Salem and Gregory L. Gilpin and wife Linda of Williams; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death was husband, Eugene.