The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

Eleanor Mae (Emmington) Heinemann

Mar. 13, 1927 –Mar. 30, 2023

Eleanor Mae (Emmington) Heinemann, 96, died March 30, 2023 due to a head injury from a fall in her apartment. She was born on March 13, 1927 to William and Mary (McGlade) Emmington in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Eleanor grew up in Ritzville, Wash. where she attended school until she and her parents moved to the family wheat farm near Sprague. She graduated from Sprague High School in 1945 before attending Washington State College.

In 1946, Eleanor married Eugene Heinemann and they operated a dryland wheat and cattle farm in the Ritzville area until 1955 when they purchased an irrigated farm near Prosser. In 1965, they returned to Sprague where Gene took over management of the Emmington family farm. They later moved to Ritzville.

After Gene’s death, Eleanor lived at Orchard Crest Retirement Center in Spokane Valley where she shared a special friendship with Tom Okerstrom.

Eleanor was active in PEO, Roza Home Arts, 4-H, the Methodist Church and the Grange. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, and crafting.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Judith Lynn, sister Marla Hughes, her parents, and husband Gene.

She is survived by her children Brent (Gayle), David (Janell), Joel, and Lori; four grandchildren, Lisa (Ken) Bitikofer, Ron McKenzie, Dylan Tyler, April Robinson (Jim); six great-grandchildren, Alexis, Alia, Tyler, Caden, Lexi, and Tessa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a public viewing on Thurs., April 13, 2023 at Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 AM at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to PEO Chapter AR-Ritzville, Ritzville Trinity United Methodist Church, or your preferred charity.