Eleanor Ruth Upchurch fell asleep in death on December 8, 2020 with her family by her side after a long illness.

She was born on October 4, 1935 in Springfield, Missouri to Elmer and Ruth Crowell. She attended Central High School and Drury University, then was employed for many years as the advertising department manager at Springfield News Leader.

Eleanor was united in marriage to Sam Upchurch on June 13, 1964. Throughout the years she enjoyed bicycling, camping, gardening, listening to classical and jazz music, traveling, and walking. In her later years, she cherished spending the winter months in South Texas with many of her friends.

Eleanor was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and from her study of the Bible she looked forward to the many promises that await us. She was always eager to share her knowledge of the Bible with others. Eleanor was known for being a very generous, kind and loving friend, mother, and grandmother, and always having a beautiful smile on her face.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sam in 2015, as well as her parents and a brother Clifford Crowell.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter Daphne Upchurch, two sons Keith Upchurch and Chris and wife Denise Upchurch; and five grandchildren Brinkley, Madison, and Sadie Upchurch, Brandon Morley, and Christine Rogowsky. She is also survived by a nephew Don Patterson as well as a host of many dear friends.

Private graveside services will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, a memorial will be held at a later date.