ELEANOR LANEY

I just learned of Eleanor's passing. Her brother, Michael, was a great friend while I was growing up and we would occasionally visit her in Salt Lake after she returned to work for the Church magazines. She was always patient and welcoming to us and a lot of fun to visit. She was truly an accomplished person and has been a great example to me, even though our interactions were only brief and infrequent. Please accept our warmest sympathies and our best wishes.

I'm so sorry to hear of Eleanor's passing. I remember her best as a child. She and her brothers and of course Parents came to the family reunion's. I played ball with her brothers Boyd and Raymond.Eleanor wouldn't play with us. She was a little lady. But she was very kind even as a child.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Don't let your greif be measured by her worth for then your sorrow has no end-Shakespeare

Aunt Ellie was the closest thing to a Grandma I had growing up on my Dad's side of the family. Sleepovers, support in school activities, the much-anticipated Christmas gifts and birthday gifts (on her birthday), the seemingly endless knowledge about EVERYTHING, her wit, her devious witch's cackle, her love of music, and so much more leave a rich heritage of memories and love to keep Aunt Ellie's legacy alive.

When so much was going on in our family and it felt at times as if our lives were falling apart, Aunt Ellie was a constant I could count on. Up until she was hospitalized for Alzheimer's she went to my brothers' graves and left mums every year on Memorial Day. She was so good at remembering others and I recall her mentioning one of her favorite pasttimes being a stroll through a cemetery to read the headstones and markers of those buried there--whether she knew them or not.

Her big hugs and concern about the details of my life were so appreciated--and yet I know she did this for all her nieces and nephews. A beloved aunt, an exemplary latter-day saint, a scholar, a historian, a champion of the community, a woman of thoughtful and quiet service, and an elect lady--Aunt Ellie, I'm so happy you graduated, heaven's lucky to have you.

Until we meet again, I will be remembering you...

I miss the visits from Eleanor. Once, long while ago, she and I counted up our relatives - and at that time we counted 51 first cousins on the Knowles side. Most of these cousins were older than she, as her father Kenneth Knowles was the youngest of a big family. All of us are pleased to be related to this great lady who accomplished many things of good report and praiseworthy.
My condolences to Boyd, and Raymond, and Kathy, and other who were close to Eleanor.
Love and kind regards,

Eleanor did many important and wonderful things. But she was also my visiting teacher. She was my friend. She was one of the most intelligent, gentle people I've known. She was a spiritual and temporal inspiration to me and many others. (I also think she could read minds because she could size up a person in about a minute.)
Brenda Rees (Roseburg, Oregon)

I am grateful for my sweet association with "Aunt Eleanor." As the daughter-in-law of longtime friend, Marilyn Tolk, we enjoyed many happy "game nights" together laughing, playing games, and enjoying wonderful meals - Eleanor was a great cook! I also cherish a unique connection with Eleanor, who knew and loved my great-grandparents, the Widtsoes. Thank you for your friendship to all of the Tolks - the memories are countless. Love always, Jennifer Tolk and Family

Hi,
l Left my Family, Career and Country in 1971 to Marry, Darrell Scott Knowles.
We had four Beautiful and Wonderful Daughters together and even though we Divorced, I will never regret being a part of the Knowles family.
Eleanor Knowles was A brilliant and Very talented person and I am proud to have Known her!!
Farewell to you Eleanor and to Richard Laney, I know you will be together again!!
You made your mark in this world Eleanor and you will be missed forever in this Life!!!!!
Love, Margie

Reading this obituary helps me to realize just how many people Aunt Ellie had a profound influence on other than myself. I feel so honored and thankful to have known her and received her love and generosity. To me she has been a wonderful and caring aunt more than just the successful and knowledgeable woman that we all know she was. With a never-failing cheery attitude she visited me in the hospital and brought me rice pudding, took me on downtown adventures and bought me treats, visited me when I lived in Seattle and spent time touring museums and eating out. I love Ellie so much. She has been a huge influence on me simply from her loving ways.

Eleanor changed the course of my life through her example, her mentoring, her encouragement, her expectations of excellence. I have praised her name many times in the ensuing years since I first met her at Deseret Book. Because of Eleanor's encouragement, my sweetheart found his avocation working for Church Education. My first reaction to learning of Eleanor's death was one of profound sadness; yet, now, I am happy for her. She has surely earned the highest rewards the eternities have to offer.

We knew Eleanor when she lived in New York. Our two young sons called her "The Gum Lady" as she always had some to share with small children (with the approval of their parents). We will always have love for Eleanor and the many fun memories we shared in NYC.

It was a privilege to work under Eleanor's direction and tutelage at Deseret Book. I admire her more than I can say. She and I had a special connection--one we both felt and acknowledged. I think of her often and appreciate the enormous influence she has had on my life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.