She was born in Maple Rapids, MI, March 21, 1924, the daughter of Harold and Gladys (Kendrick) Annis. She graduated from Maple Rapids High School in 1942, received a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University in 1945, a Master of Arts Degree from Northern Colorado State University in 1949 and her doctorate from Penn State University in 1961. Eleanor taught art in the Fenton and Kalamazoo Public Schools and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1981, after 31 years at Minnesota State University-Mankato

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Elsie Chapter #69, Northern Light Chapter #292. Grand Marais, MN, served the Grand Chapter of Minnesota as a Grand Representative of Michigan in Minnesota and as Grand Ruth in 2000. She was also a member of the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church, Clinton County Historical Society, Cook County MN Historical Society and several Art Education Societies.

She is survived by an aunt-in-law, Louise Annis; two nieces, Laura (DeWaine) Jackson of Roseburg, OR, Linda (Gary) Marx of East Lansing, MI; a nephew, Ronald (Christy) Spess of Saginaw, MI; cousin, David (Jann) Annis; great-nieces, Elizabeth (Jesse) Archambault and Christy Marx; great-nephew, Chayse Jackson and newly arrived great-niece, Sutton Archambault.

In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her sister, Esther Annis Spess and an infant brother, Harold Kendrick Annis.

Eleanor was a friend to many and a loving Aunt. She touched many lives and loved to share the North Shore of Minnesota with others.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Monday, September 29, 2008, at the Chapel of Deepdale Memorial Gardens, Lansing, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating. An Order of The Eastern Star service will take place immediately following.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation in memory of Jean Goodenow and sent to: Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation Development Office, 126 Alumni Foundation Center, Mankato, MN. 56001.

Arrangements by the Abbott Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Maple Rapids, Mich.