Eleanor Gaus May 7, 1915 - January 20, 2014 Oh my golly, what a life! Achieving a strong 98.7 years and a golden chest of friendships that grew larger each year. Living 97 of those years in the Dogtown house in which she was born, she lived with family during her final year and a half. Never married, yet becoming the Matriarch of her adoring and loving family. Preceded in death by her Mom and Dad, Lillie and George, and her brother Cliff (Cathy). Survived by nephews Ron (Sandy), Rick (Vicki) and niece Karen (Bob McNamee). Great nephews/nieces Kevin (Lili), Katrina (Lawrence Squire), Keri (Ryan Werkmeister) and Kody. Branch (Hiedy), Corey (Rhea) and Micah. Colin, Blair and Jordy. Great-great nieces/nephews Amaya, Sanjar, Caius, Eleanor, Nathaly, Clifford, Nikolai and Lorenzo. Also survived by cousins Ed Gaus (Donna), Art Gaus and Dorothy Timmerman, many other cousins and hundreds of friends. Traveling with family to Germany at 93, she found her previously unknown family tree, sharing time with her new 81 year old cousin. At 97, headed a family vacation to Destin, Florida with 40 family and friends. She was a lifelong diehard Cardinal fan, a season ticket holder at the Muny for 74 years. She was a Sunday School teacher for 55 years and strong senior-most member of Christ Church, UCC in Maplewood. A friend of every child, her retired pastor suggested her Biblical phrase, "Let the Children Come to Me". A life well lived. Visitation at Jay B Smith Maplewood Chapel 7456 Manchester on Friday, January 25th from 2pm to 9pm. Viewing only on Friday. Family only burial on Saturday morning, followed at noon by friend, family and member Memorial Service at Christ Church, UCC, 2200 Bellevue, Maplewood.. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers, to Christ Church Memorial Fund, Eleanor's church of 98.7 years. Tridutes at jaybsmith.com