Eleanor Jane Morehouse

Eleanor J. Morehouse, 79, of New Paris, died at her home Thursday evening, January 16, 2014, after a seven month illness. She was born June 3, 1934 in New Paris to Charles and Pearl (Vandermaas) Cobb. On September 3, 1955 she married Dean Morehouse in New Paris. She is survived by her husband of 58 years; four children, Michael (Regina) Morehouse and Matthew (Soni) Morehouse, both of New Paris, Michelle Schmidt of Bristol and Melanie (Ted) Mason of Blissfield, Michigan; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Eugene (Pat) Cobb of Elkhart and James (Marilyn) Cobb of New Paris; and a sister, Carolyn (Richard) Cripe of Syracuse. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Terry Schmidt; and a brother, Charles Cobb. A 1952 graduate of New Paris High School, she was a member of First Brethren Church, New Paris, where she was a member of the Women's Mission Society and played piano and sang for many events. A very active member of the community, Mrs. Morehouse was involved in the Elkhart County Agriculture Society, serving as president for eight years. She served on the Elkhart County 4-H Senior Queen committee and was selected as Senior Queen in 2001. A 23 year volunteer with almost 6000 hours at Goshen Hospital, she also served on the Hospital Auxiliary Board, the I.U.Health Goshen Foundation Board of Directors, Indiana Lakes Board, and the Elkhart County Extension Board. She was a longtime member of the Republican precinct committee for Jackson Township and the New Paris Women's Club. She was an eight gallon blood donor with the American Red Cross. Along with her husband, she co-owned Morehouse Grain Farms and did all of the bookkeeping for the farm. A proud American, her hobbies included reading, singing and playing the piano. Friends may call 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday, January 19, 2014, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where a 10 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2014, funeral service will be conducted. Pastor Jeff Estep, First Brethren Church, New Paris, will officiate. Burial will follow at New Paris Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Brethren Church, New Paris, I.U. Health Goshen Hospital Auxiliary and Elkhart County Agriculture Society.