Eileen Clement

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The long goodbye ended for the Eileen Clement family when their beloved Mother passed away in peace at the SunQuest Healthcare Center in Huron at the age of 92 on Monday, June 4, 2012. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 9, 2012 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Tom Clement and Father Chester Murtha, celebrants. Burial followed at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2012 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

 Eileen was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Ernest V. Clement.  Eileen and Ernie were married on July 21, 1941 and began their lives together in Dayton, Ohio.  They moved to South Dakota in the mid-forties and lived the good life. After many prosperous years of farming, they moved to Miller to retire in 1976 - enjoying the fruits of their labor by traveling, gardening, and cooking for her family. WOW how she could cook!!  Eileen so enjoyed pheasant hunting season and all the wonderful friends she made. Over the 50 years of having hunters stay at her home, they became part of her family - oh the memories!!

Eileen was the daughter of Robert and Nellie (Stern) Harpster.  She was born in her grandmother’s house in Putman County, Ohio. At the time of her birth, her father was working some distance away.  Her mother harnessed a team of horses and drove her family (four small children) in a spring wagon to her grandmother’s home. Following the two hour trip, Eileen was born that night with the help of her grandmother in the upstairs bedroom.  At birth, Eileen was very tiny and was put in a small shoebox to be kept warm. Eileen was the youngest of five children. She grew up during the depression when times were tough. However, she always believed in hard work and the spirit of “I can do it”.  She was a petite lady with a big heart.  Eileen was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, an active member of St. Ann’s Altar Society and a dedicated teacher of catechism for twelve years. She was honored as pioneer daughter of St. Ann’s in 2005.  She was a devoted wife and wonderful mother. Eileen will always be remembered by all who knew her for her love of gardening, kindness to all and her caring gentle ways.  She had much happiness in her long life and kept up the good fight till the Lord called her. 

Hers was a life well lived. Joy she gave and joyful she will always remain in our hearts. Eileen is survived by her five daughters, Judy (Craig) Sisk of Huron, Linda (Jim) Borichewski of Dallas, Texas, Pamela Breeland of Louisville, Kentucky, Patricia (Marc) Schwartz of South Lake Tahoe, California, Mary (Tom) Dillon of Union City, New Jersey; three sons, David (Hilda) Clement of Redlands, California, Jack (Jean) Clement of Longwood, Florida, Jeff (Renee) Clement of St. Lawrence; 17 grandchildren,  Steven & Lisa (Judy), Joseph, Michael & Lisca (Linda), Adam & Cory (twins-Jack), Toni & Brough (Pam), Laura, Rebecca & Sara (Pat), Molly & Meggie (twins-Mary), Rachel, Amber & Kyle (Jeff), and 16 great grandchildren; her sister Lucile Wilson of New Jersey; three sister-in-laws, Betty Clement, Delores Clement , Lenore Venjohn and brother-in-law Hubert Clement.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Eileen’s arrangements.