Eloise Timmons was born May 7, 1928 to Annie and Homer S. Timmons near Hitchland, Oklahoma, and died October 16, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. This pioneer family began its roots in the Oklahoma Panhandle in the early 1900's. Her father began the farm and brought his bride to join him in 1913.

She attended Goodwell Grade School and graduated from Guymon High School, Guymon, Oklahoma. After high school she attended Panhandle State University and the University of Georgia. She received her B.S in 1940 from the University of Oklahoma. She attended the National University of Mexico in Mexico City, and continued to the University of Colorado where she received her M.A. in 1961 and a Ph.D. in 1975. As a Ph.D. candidate, she received the "Outstanding Woman Graduate Student in Colorado" scholarship. Eloise was in the first group of women initiated into Phi Delta Kappa (honorary educational fraternity).
An educator for 38 years, Eloise taught history and English at the junior high, senior high, and college level. She taught in schools in Winterville, GA.; Anadarko, OK; Ponca City, OK; and Boulder, CO. Administrator Carol Allan said the following "An exceptional quality is your dedication and commitment to students through your love of teaching. It is obvious your students respect you and live up to your expectations. Not only have you improved the Social Studies department through leadership as department chair, but you have also served the school by participating in SADD, TAG, student teacher supervision, sponsoring the Political Club for 15 years, the Bible Club, and the BVEA."

Students in Boulder remarked, "Her Political Parties class really awakened my interest." "Best history teacher I ever had." Eloise began the Political Parties class at Fairview High School, which many times received attention from the media, for instance, the Daily Camera, KBOL, and 9 T.V. She also set up the first Advanced Placement History (APH) class in Boulder County. Her high success rate included 90% of her students passing the APH exam every year. Many students commented how much easier college and future jobs were as a direct result of her teaching. CU presented her with the Gold "Excellence in Teaching" award. She served as co-chair of the BVEA Political Action committee and a member of the negotiating committee. She retired from teaching in 1989.

Eloise was president of Delta Kappa Gamma (Women Educators) for two years, worked as a volunteer for the Senior Center and Habitat for Humanity, chaired the local Gunbarrel Crime Prevention, and gave programs throughout the area. She was a member of PEO, Central Optimists Club, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta, Alpha Chi Omega, Democratic Century Club, Order of Eastern Star and Boulder Rotary Internationale. She later served two years as president of the CU Graduate School Advisory Council and as a member of the Boulder Alumni chapter. She additionally established two scholarships in Oklahoma and Colorado.  Special pastimes were travel (six continents), gardening, and reading.

She was active for many years in the United Methodist church as a MYF sponsor and a chair of Social Concerns and other groups. She joined the Presbyterian Church in 1992.
 

She was married to Richard Hughes in 1966, and the marriage ended in 1978.
Eloise was preceded in death by her father in 1957, and her mother, who lived part time with Eloise for four years before passing away in 1992 at the age of 102. She is also preceded in death by her brother H.S. Timmons, sister in law Savannah Timmons of Aiken, SC, brothers-in-law William E. O'Moran and E.W. Brown.

Surviving her are her sister Mary Frances Brown , Rockport, Texas.; two nieces, Helen (Wayne) Simmons, San Antonio, TX; and Teresa (George) John, Houston, TX; and 7 great nephews and 6 great nieces.
A visitation will be Saturday, October 22 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, with family present from 7:00-8:00 pm; the Funeral Service will be 1:00 pm Sunday, October 23, 2016 both at Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Place, Boulder, CO. Eloise will be buried next to her mother and father in the family plot at Elmhurst Cemetery in Guymon, OK. Local services are entrusted to Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, Guymon.  www.hensonnovak.com

Family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Homer S. Timmons or Annie Timmons Scholarship Funds, payable to Timmons, Brown, Timmons, 208 Port Royal, Aransas Pass, TX 78336-6708. These scholarships go to FFA students at Guymon High School, Guymon, OK. Share memories and condolences at www.cristmortuary.com.

 Service Information