Eilene G. Staires, 83, of Battle Creek, Michigan, formerly of Santa Paula, California passed away on July 12, 2021 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital in Battle Creek.
Eilene was born on January 11, 1938 in Upland, California to Benjamin G. and Gladys F. (Wolfenbarger) Lenhert.
She married Forrest Staires on February 14, 1964 in Chino, California, sadly he passed away on September 26, 2006.
Eilene worked as a nanny for several years to pay her way through college.
She graduated from Upland High School in Ontario, California then went to and graduated from Knapp College of Nursing in Santa Barbara, California.
She worked at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital in Labor and Delivery as a Registered Nurse for 38 years, retiring in October 2003.
She was a member of the Battle Creek Seventh-day Adventist Tabernacle.
Eilene loved to knit baby sweaters and baby blankets and would give them away to whoever needed one. She enjoyed adult coloring books, teaching Sabbath school, sewing and being a caregiver to her family. Eilene will be missed for her gracious and loving heart.
Eilene is survived by her daughters; Melinda (Gary) Hobson of Battle Creek and Janis Hidley of Battle Creek, her adopted son; Richard Fox of Oakhurst, California and adopted daughter; Claudia Harro of Anaheim, California, her grandchildren; Luka Hidley of Mt. Pleasant, Molly Hidley of Battle Creek, Benjamin Hobson of Battle Creek and Ethan Hobson of Moorpark, California, her brother; Wesley (Donna) Lenhert of Ontario, California. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Forrest Staires and her sister; Norma Barr.
A gathering to celebrate Eilene's life will take place on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at the residence of Melinda and Gary Hobson. Private interment will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions are requested to Battle Creek Adventist Academy.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 2838 Capital Ave. SW Battle Creek, Michigan 49015. Please visit https//kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook or to leave the family condolences.