Eleanor Estep (Mendez)

Eleanor Estep, 78, of Independence, MO (formerly of Antwerp, OH), went to be with the Lord on August 26, 2020. Eleanor was born in Wauseon, Ohio, on August 18, 1942, a daughter of the late Andrea (Martinez) and Rev. Jose R. Mendez. She was a 1961 graduate of Antwerp High School and received her degree as a registered nurse in 1980 from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne. Eleanor was a registered nurse for over 40 years. She retired from the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN in 2009. She was also a loving mother, sister, aunt and grandmother, who had a strong faith in God and was a member of the Fort Wayne Church of the Nazarene.

Eleanor also had a passion for volunteer work at the Salvation Army and the Rescue Mission. Even after retirement, she volunteered her nursing services at various clinics. Eleanor was an extremely hard worker who was a single mother to two sons, Timothy and Eugene. She had 18 brothers and sisters that she loved dearly. Eleanor loved to read and cross-stitching. She also enjoyed participating in BSF Bible study and going to the Palmer Center.

She will be dearly missed by her son Eugene (Becky) Estep of Independence, MO; siblings, Miguel Mendez of Fort Wayne, Nick Mendez of Cecil, Mary Fry of Defiance, Joe Mendez of Zion, IL, Ami Dunderman of Antwerp and David Mendez of Ney; grandchildren Jaggar, Ashton, Isabell, Chris; and great-granddaughter Ruth. She was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Estep; siblings, Samuel, Moses, Joshua, Ted, Chris and Raymond Mendez, Esther McHarque, Marianne Reyes, Joan Rodriguez, Tana Palacios and Connie Theil and her parents who were married 55 years, Rev. Jose R. and Andrea Mendez.

Cremation is planned, and the family will be having a private memorial service to honor Eleanor. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)