Mary Eaker

Mary Beth Eaker, 78, passed into her Fathers hands on November 22, 2010. She was a loving and devoted, mother, grandmother and sister who will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., November 24, 2010 at the Elmwood Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. David Cason officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy. 277 South.

Mary Beth was born October 13, 1932 to Ida Oleene and Edgar Rains in Blue Ridge, Texas. She was the fifth of eight children. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Addison Eaker in 1986 a son, Larry Scott Eaker in 1974, and a close nephew, Ray Hazal in 2010.

Mary Beth is survived by her children, Debbie Pannell and husband Ron of Abilene, sons James Raymond Eaker and wife Christi of Forney, Ronnie Eaker and wife Jennifer of Quinlan, brothers, Bobby Rains and wife Juanita, Larry Rains and wife Susan, and sisters, Nina Hazal and Tauhlee Rains, and close family friend, Randy Lovell. Mary Beth leaves behind grandchildren, Misty Pounds, Kevin Eaker, Amber Ferguson, Tyler Eaker, Matthew Pannell, and Colton Eaker, and greatgrandchildren, Haylee, Dylan, Tristyn, Raymond, and Collin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary Beth was a wonderful mother. In spite of an early childhood injury that left her with little use of her right hand and leg, she never dwelled on the negative and was always cheerful, optimistic, and an inspiration to others. She was always looking to make a better way for her children, and in the early 1970s, she earned her GED. She worked for Olan Mills as a telephone solicitor selling portrait packages. Her gift of gab along with her warm personality and genuine sincerity made her their top sales person in a large district for many, many months on end.

Mary Beth was a resident of Coronado Nursing Center since 1999. As long as her health allowed, she was an active participant in the centers activities. She loved playing bingo, going on lunch outings, attending all the music and singing events, and she was especially proud when her brother Larry a musician entertained the residents once a month. While she was able, Mary Beth faithfully attended Coronados Sunday worship services.

Mary Beth came from a musical family and has passed on many fond memories of her childhood of her parents playing music her mother on piano, and her Daddy on fiddle. That love of music and legacy continued, and her brothers, her sons, and her grandsons are all musically talented. Although she was a walking book of trivia when it came to popular country and western music and artists, they all paled in comparison to listening to her own family members. The recordings that she had of her parents, her brothers, Larry and Bobby, and her grandson, Kevin were her beloved favorites

Mary Beth was a wonderful cook, and as her children remember, always had the knack for making something out of nothing. Although attempted by many, her special recipes just cannot be duplicated When her eyesight was good, Mary Beth also did beautiful embroidery and needlepoint, and she was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan and Texas Rangers fan.

The family wishes to thank the University Church of Christ where Mary Beth was a member. Although she never got to attend church there, the homebound ministry never forgot her always visiting on Sundays, providing communion, and making every holiday special with visits, cards, and thoughtful gifts. It meant so much to her, and she was always proud to call University Church her church.

Memorials contributions may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care or the donors favorite charity.

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