Elsie Irene Eacker
Oct. 7, 1928 -Jan. 6, 2019

Irene passed away on Jan. 6, 2019 in Rio Dell at the age of 90. She passed away at home, where she wanted to be.

Irene was born Oct. 7, 1928 to William Lester and Alzena Dell (James) Griffith in Loleta. Irene lived her whole life in Humboldt County and was a lifelong resident of Rio Dell.

Irene attended school for the Blind and Deaf in Berkeley and Fortuna High School.

Irene worked at Bertain’s Laundry, then at the Scotia Inn waiting tables where she met her life-long love, John T. (Jack) Eacker, who worked at the Pacific Lumber Company for 37 years.

They were married Dec. 26, 1947 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage. They made their home in Rio Dell.

Irene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Irene was a stay at home mom and enjoyed canning, cooking and baking yummy desserts. She and her family enjoyed camping, trips to the beach (especially Centerville and Patrick’s Point) and spending time with friends and family. Irene was very involved with her children through their school PTA and room mother at the elementary school. Other groups Irene was active in were Auxiliary for VFW, T.O.P.S. and Pocahontas, and she and her husband enjoyed many hours of square dancing with Humboldt Hoe Downers and Flutter Wheelers. Her favorite thing to collect was her owls.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Judi Carter (William (Sandy)) of Tracy and son, John W. Eacker (Nancy) of Redding; grandchildren Brian Carter of Tracy, Amy Carter Weiser (Doug) of Stockton, Craig Eacker (Carey) of Magalia and Brad Eacker (Crystal) of Lincoln; and great-grandchildren Mary Carter of Tracy, Emilie Eacker, Ethan Eacker and Autumn Eacker (all of Magalia) and Caleb Eacker and Mackenzie Eacker (both of Lincoln, California).

Irene’s surviving siblings are Alice Thomson (Fay), Billie Brown (Jim), David Griffith, Tom Griffith (Barbara) and Vickie Aust (Alan).

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, William Lester and Alzena Dell (James) Griffith and stepmother Elsie (Caston) Griffith and her husband John T. (Jack) Eacker; and siblings Lester, Margaret, Leonard, Gerald, Raymond, Reece, Betty, Ruby and John.

Irene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Joseph Fortuna Redwood Memorial Hospital and the Hospice nurses and staff for their loving support they gave the family during this difficult time. Services are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial contributions to be made to Hospice of Humboldt or a charity of your choice.

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