Eleanor M. Ekis, 74, of Center Drive, Chicora, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, was greeted by the rejoicing angels at Heaven's gate at 12:45 a.m. Saturday at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh while surrounded by her loving family.

Eleanor was born in Butler on Sept. 29, 1938. She was the daughter of the late Lester and Dora Emminger Moore.

Eleanor was a 1956 graduate of Moniteau High School. She enjoyed camping and was a member of the Clarion County Campers. She also enjoyed being surrounded by her family and friends and took every opportunity to let her family know how proud she was of them.

She was employed for several years by the Chicora Medical Center. While supervisor at the center's Vista Royale Unit, she provided loving care for her patients and their families.

On Aug. 25, 1956, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chicora, she became the loving wife of William P. Ekis, who survives. Also surviving are four children, Douglas W. Ekis and his wife, Cheryl A., of Chicora, Deborah L. McCune and her husband, Charles P., of Karns City, Daniel J. “Boone” Ekis and his wife, Cindy, of Karns City and Darrin J. Ekis and his wife, Beth, of Karns City; 10 grandchildren, Dana Willis and her husband, John, of Chicora, David Ekis and his wife, Summer, of Butler, Derek and Devin Ekis of Chicora, Tricia Bryan and her husband, Brad, of Chicora, Krystal Hillard and her husband, Jarod, of Hilliards, D.J. Ekis and his fiancee, Maureen Shea, of Hermitage, Shalisa Ekis and her boyfriend, Dan Everetts, of Chicora, and Trevor Ekis and Taylor Ekis of Karns City; three great-grandchildren, Lilly, Isabella and Teagan; two step-great-grandchildren, Makyla and Dakota; a sister, Evelyn McDevitt of Chicora; a brother, Lester “Bud” Moore and his wife, Mary Alice, of Chicora; as well as a number of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ekis was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Molly Mae Bryan; two sisters, Lois Karenbauer and Marybelle McGregor; and three brothers, Harvey, Clyde and Clinton Moore.

EKIS — Friends of Eleanor M. Ekis, who passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 1 p.m. with Bishop C. Jay Croyle, presiding Bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy in Pennsylvania, officiating. Interment will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chicora.Contributions in Eleanor's memory may be made to the American Heart Association.Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.