Eileen Alice Hignell

1921 - 2015

EILEEN ALICE HIGNELL Born February 13, 1921 in Topeka, Kansas to Reverend Cecil and Darie Simerly, Eileen passed away at her home peacefully on Tuesday, August 11th 2015 wrapped in the arms of her beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She joined in the heavenly choir after regaining her voice and we hear her playing the harp she longed to master and singing the music of God's word, her voice in life. Eileen graduated from Yuba City High School in 1938 where she had met the love of her life, Fred, her senior year. They married in 1940; their loved endured for 75 years. After they married, the Hignells moved to Oakland where Eileen worked for Pacific Bell and Fred worked in a factory in high preparation for World War II. Together they purchased a duplex , exchanged it for an apartment complex and soon exchanged the complex for a cattle ranch in far Northern California near Alturas. The two oldest sons accompanied them to Modoc County. In addition to her parenting responsibilities, Eileen cooked for the ranch crew and helped herd the cattle on horseback In 1948, they sold the ranch and moved to Chico to become partners in Hignell and Strange, a construction company building homes to accommodate the growing population of the Chico. Their own family also grew with the birth of their third son and their daughter. In the early 60's, Eileen learned to fly a single engine Piper Cub. In 1963, Eileen and her daughter flew alone from Pensacola Florida to Chico. In 1970, the partnership of Hignell and Hignell was established with their son, Doug. For many years, Eileen and Fred had the opportunity to spend 4 months of the year together on their boat. By 2004, Eileen had developed Alzheimer's and Fred retired to care for Eileen full time. Eileen's passion in life was serving her Lord and Savior and loving her family. She was one of the best hostesses in Chico and had many memorable parties. She poured her life into her church serving as a Sunday school teacher, a youth leader and choir director. Eileen spent hours leading others to Christ and helping them develop a strong relationship with Him. One of her greatest gifts was her intercessory prayer. She devoted her life to her husband and her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren. We will all miss her love, prayers and her Godly example in life. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Fred and her children, Doug (Kaylinn), Tom (Jeannie) and Pennisue (Wendy). In addition, she is survived by 15 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Eileen was preceded in death by her brother, sister, her son and two grandsons. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 16, 2015 at Neighborhood Church in Chico, California In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chico Christian School scholarship fund. To send online condolences to the family, go to NewtonBracewell.com.