Eleanor Estelle Lendahl was born August 8, 1943 at Trinity Hospital in Arcata, to Jack and Eleanor Sheppard. She passed away after a long fight with lung cancer at the age of 78 on May 25, 2022.

Eleanor went to College Elementary School and Arcata High School, graduating in 1961. After high school, Eleanor went to work for Pacific Bell. During this time, she married Rex Lendahl. They lived at Maple Creek Cutoff for many years, where they enjoyed horses, being outdoors, and living the ranch life. She loved her neighbors, who she called “the hill people”, with whom she spent many happy hours in conversation. When her marriage to Rex ended, she went to work for Arcata Liquors. Some may remember her decades of work there and her no-nonsense demeanor with the many colorful characters on the Plaza, as well as her giving spirit and sense of humor.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Eleanor Sheppard, brother Bill Sheppard, and husband Rex Lendahl. She is survived by her brother Roy Sheppard (Sylvia) and sister-in- law Myrna Sheppard; nephews and nieces Paul Sheppard (Laurie), Pam Sheppard Getchell (Howard), Holly Sheppard Aitken (Neil) Jack Sheppard (Paula), Kelly Sheppard and many great- nephews and great-nieces.

The family would like to thank Myrna Sheppard and Alder Bay Assisted Living for their compassionate care of Eleanor. If you wish, you can make a donation to American Cancer Society in Eleanor’s name.