Velma Louise (Griswold) Eichemier, 87 of Kirksville passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the LaPlata Nursing Home.
The daughter of Frank Herman and Edna (Wilson) Griswold, she was born April 20, 1933 near Sugar Creek in Kirksville in a log cabin. In 1936 the family moved to the Brashear community and she attended school in country schools; Oak Dale, Pleasant Hill, and Paultown. She later attended Brashear High School until her senior year when the family moved to Kirksville. She graduated from Kirksville High School in 1950.
On June 30, 1951 she married Elgin (Ike) Eichemier and they had four children; Sue Ellen, Michael, Barbara and John.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2001; one son, Michael in December of 2009; one son-in-law, Stephen in June of 2006; four brothers and one sister, Tom Griswold, Bob Griswold, Bill Griswold, Donnie Griswold and Bonnie Pope; two brothers-in-law, David Tharp and Don Jones; and three sisters-in-law, Betty Griswold, Edith Griswold, and Louise Griswold.
Louise is survived by her children, Sue Ellen Slaughterbeck of Bowling Green, KY, Barbara Jones and husband Tony of Kirksville, and John Eichemier and wife Nancy of Kirksville,; six grandchildren; three step grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Rita Eichemier of Lansing, KS; one brother, Jack Griswold and Bob of Kansas City, MO; three sisters, Betty Jones of Kirksville, Darlene Jackson and Leroy of Moberly, MO, and Leona Tharp of Rolla, MO; one sister-in-law, Virginia Griswold of Queen City, MO; one brother-in-law, Jim Pope of Moore, OK; and several nieces and nephews.
In 1966 she began her career at Northeast Missouri State University as secretary to Dean of Students and later transferred to a federal position with U.S. Army ROTC. She retired after 27 years in May of 1993.
Louise was baptized at the age of 12 and joined the EUB Church in Brashear. She now attends the First United Methodist Church in Kirksville. She loved her family and friends and helping others. She enjoyed painting, planting flowers and reading.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2021 with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Entombment will be in Park View Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Memorials in memory of Louise are suggested to a Scholarship for a Brashear High School student.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home of Kirksville, MO.