Eleanor C. Dyer

Eleanor Caroline Dyer, 73, of St. Joseph passed away on January 22, 2006 at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph, surrounded by family, following a long and courageous battle with multiple health issues. Visitation for Eleanor will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, St. Joseph. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 26, 2006 at First United Methodist Church, St. Joseph, with Reverend Wade Panse officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Eleanor was born on October 13, 1932, in Benton Harbor to Thomas and Julia (Thiede) Kirby. She married Robert E. Dyer on July 31, 1952 in Benton Harbor. The couple has resided in St. Joseph for the past 53 years. Eleanor worked for many years as a cashier at Sears Department Store in Benton Harbor, balancing her working career with raising a family and creating a strong and loving relationship with her husband, Robert. Eleanor also volunteered her time to Red Cross Blood Drives as well as many groups and organizations linked to the interests and involvements of her family. Eleanor and Robert are long-time members of First United Methodist Church, St. Joseph. Eleanor was active in her church, serving on the Missions Commission for many years. She has been very instrumental in the Missions Commissions Annual Winter Coat Box and Mitten Tree program. Family was Eleanor’s true passion. She enjoyed spending time, encouraging, and supporting family and attending hundreds of athletic and school programs for her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Family camping trips and holiday get-togethers were always highlights in Eleanor’s life. She loved to spoil her grandkids and her beloved pet, Molly. Aside from family, she also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, crossword puzzles, traveling, shopping, winters in Florida, spending time with good friends and neighbors, and eating strawberry shortcake. Eleanor is survived by her loving husband of 53 years; three children, Karol Kvorka of DeWitt, MI, Richard (Pamela) Dyer of Three Rivers, MI, and Janet (Joseph) Camilleri of Grandville, MI; and six grandchildren, Kristine Kvorka, Kimberly Kvorka, Andrew Dyer, Timothy Dyer, Emma Camilleri, and Anna Camilleri. She is also survived by two sisters; Betty (Patrick) Cassidy of St. Joseph and Irene Cox of Stevensville; one brother, Kenneth (Bonnie) Kirby of Stevensville; and one sister in law, Carla Kirby of St. Joseph. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers; Charles Kirby and Thomas Kirby.