Eleanor Louise Glenn was born on October 4, 1921 in Spirit Lake, Idaho to Elmer E. Johnson and Erna A. (Neubaeur) Johnson. Eleanor spent her childhood growing up there. She and her sisters, Doris and Pat played in the school playground next to their home and swam in the lake. Eleanor enjoyed playing 3 court basketball in high school. She graduated as Valedictorian of Spirit Lake High School in 1939. The following fall, she enrolled at the University of Idaho in Moscow and joined the Tri Delta sorority. In 1942, her roommate at the sorority was Helen M. Durham who introduced her to her cousin, James A. Glenn. Jim and Eleanor soon became an item. After Eleanor graduated, she was offered a teaching fellowship. Life had different plans. Jim and Eleanor decided to get married on October 16, 1944 in Yakima, Washington. They honeymooned on the Oregon Coast, then visited Jim’s Grandparents at the “Big House” in Vale, Oregon before moving in with her new in-laws, Arthur (Ole) and Florence Glenn in Hailey, Idaho. An opportunity arose in Shoshone, Idaho for them to lease and operate a small grocery store. Their three children were born while living in Shoshone. Larry was born in 1946, Ann in 1947, and Robert in 1952. They lost their lease and the family was forced to move back to Hailey in 1952. They went to work for his Father, Ole, in the Hailey Golden Rule Store and soon the manager of the Ketchum store decided to take a new opportunity in Twin Falls. They took over the management and ownership of the Golden Rule Grocery Store in Ketchum in 1957 and ran the store until August of 1984 when leased to Safeway. They soon moved to Boise where they built a new home and enjoyed their retirement. Jim passed away in 2002. In 2012, Eleanor moved to Edgewood Independent Living in Eagle until April of 2023. At that time, she relocated to Paramount Park Assisted Living, also in Eagle. Eleanor passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024 of natural causes
She was predeceased by her husband James A. Glenn; her son Lawrence M. Glenn; her grandson Travis R. Rumpeltes; her brother Robert (Bob) Johnson; her sisters Doris Carlson and Pat Armstrong.
Eleanor is survived by her daughter-in-law, Nancy Glenn of Mont Alto, Pennsylvania; her daughter Ann (Glenn) Cowden and her husband Robbie Cowden of Hailey, Idaho; her son Robert Glenn and wife Connie Dixon of Eureka, Montana; eight grand children; 19 great grandchildren; and, seven great,great grandchildren.
Eleanor’s favorite memory was her honeymoon on the Oregon Coast. She loved to travel and was able to visit most of Europe having fun sightseeing with Larry and his wife Nancy while they were stationed in Germany. Her favorite travel memories were visiting her Uncle Eric in Sweden and an “Ethereal Moment” at the Vatican with the Boys Choir. She also visited Russia and China. Her only regret was not ever cruising the fjords of Norway. She loved milk chocolate and azalea plants. She played cards at every opportunity. Christmas was her favorite Holiday where she enjoyed gifts from her special “Christmas Troll”. She lived a long and active life. Her family, friends, and very special Caregivers will miss her “Forever”!
Honoring her wishes, there is no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, Hospice was her favorite charity.