Eloise Imel Conley (1925 - 2021)

Eloise began her wonderful life on December 17, 1925 in Stroud, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Kenneth Chester Imel and Pearl May (Roberson) Imel. Living in a small country town of 1,500 and working on the extended family farms taught her about community, shared responsibilities, hard work and most of all caring for family. The Stroud experience shaped her view of life. She lived to help her family and make life a better place for all. Eloise had a quiet, independent style, working behind the scenes to accomplish whatever was needed without looking for recognition.

She was a curious child which led to her finding and adopting a baby skunk that had been abandoned. As they both grew older the skunk would follow Eloise everywhere. It was only when the skunk finally developed the use of its protective defenses by instinct that Eloise sent the skunk back to the farm to lead a normal skunk life.

At age 10 Eloise’s family moved to Oklahoma City where her father continued work with the U.S. Postal Service and her mother was the consummate homemaker. After graduating from Classen High School she attended Oklahoma State University, where she followed in her mother’s path by obtaining a teaching degree. During that time, she met her future husband, the late Rev. Herbert Conley, Sr. They moved to Dallas, Texas so he could attend SMU Perkins School of Theology.

After graduation they went to La Mesa, New Mexico for their first church assignment, then to St. Alban’s parish in Cushing, Oklahoma, next to Emanuel Episcopal church in Shawnee, Oklahoma, then to St. John’s parish in Oklahoma City, and finally to St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Honolulu, Hawaii. Eloise was an integral part of church life, education and activities in each location. There was a one-year sabbatical to Cambridge, England where Eloise helped the family maneuver new and unique foods, a school system with no grades, and 9 months without sun! Eloise moved to Denver, Colorado in 1997, where she lived until her passing on January 13, 2021 at age 95.

Eloise loved music. Her father played in the military band and she learned several instruments including clarinet and piano growing up. In her adult household there was an organ, a piano, an accordion, a violin, a trombone and a coronet. And when there was playing, there was usually singing to accompany the music. She loved reading poetry. Later in life she spent many hours composing poetry and writing her family history. These handwritten compositions, which she made into books, are family treasures.

Eloise raised three children, Herbert Jr., Cathy, and Chris. She displayed unconditional love and selfless generosity. She gave them all the constant encouragement and support needed to follow their own paths and lead lives of fulfillment for themselves, their families and their communities. Herbert became a CPA, Cathy a Physician, and Chris an Engineer. Her family includes Herb (Nancy) Conley of Honolulu, HI, Dr. Cathy (Jean Pierre) Lanteri of Andover, MA, and Chris Conley. Her grandchildren include Dr. Liz Conley (Eddie) Tannini, and Shawn (Megan) Conley, Caroline Lanteri, Cassie (Sam) Nathan and Gretchen Conley. Her great-grandchildren include Lio, Jonah and Rosie Lou Conley Tannini and Osian Conley.

Eloise was loved by all she knew and touched during her amazing life. She left many footprints while on this earth. Those of us who had the privilege of being part of her world are better for it.

We love you Mom, Grams, Great-Grandma.

Poems by Eloise Conley - 1986

happiness is

happiness

is

waking to the day

wanting

to make copious contributions.

gift wrap

before this soul is offered

my wish

is to wrap it exquisitely

with all the love received

from family and friends.