Eileen McDowell, age 80, of Miles City passed away on July 20, 2012 at her home in Miles City with her family by her side.
Eileen was born August 1, 1931 at McLaughlin, SD the daughter of Fred and Justina Moser. She graduated from McLaughlin High School in 1949 and also graduated from Broadway Beauty College, Watertown, SD.
In May of 1950, she and Donald McDowell were married in McLaughlin and then came to Miles City to make their home. To this union two children were born, a daughter Beverly Lynn and a son David Ellis.
In the earlier years they were sponsors at the Harmony Hangout and were instrumental in doubling the building size twice. She worked at the Olive Hotel desk while it still had the old antique switchboard which is now on display, the Red Rock Motel, and for Don Winslow & Associates for 12 years until illnesses forced her retirement. Eileen belonged to the Drove of Does, VFW Auxiliary, DAV Auxiliary and also did considerable volunteer work at the Convent Keepers.
Eileen was very diligent in feeding the squirrels and birds from her deck but also enjoyed getting out as she thoroughly enjoyed the demo derby at the fairgrounds and was thrilled to sell concessions from the center of a bump and run one year – the louder and dustier it got, the bigger her smile. Anyone that knew her can attest that she was a perfectionist and would sort anything for you from a bucket of screws to having the pins of her little red pin cushion sorted by color.
Eileen was always a collector of owl pictures and figurines, but in January 2012 we discovered that she could watch inside live nesting boxes of barn owls on the internet. This new discovery turned into an obsession as she watched the baby owls’ antics as they grew but was then saddened to see them leave the box to start their own lives.
She is survived by her daughter, Beverly (Rick) Harris of Miles City; one son, David McDowell of Nome, Alaska and two grandchildren Cassandra Sue Harris of Loveland, CO and Michael Alan Harris of Bozeman, MT; one great grand-daughter Lexi of Bozeman MT; one sister, Linda Lee (Wesley) Hord of Georgetown, TX, and sister-in-law, Loretta Moser (C.E.) of Sturgis SD. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred & Justina Moser Dinardi, and two brothers Elmer & Doc (C.E.) Moser.
Eileen was very close to her caregivers who became like family to her: Diana Stieg, Lori Skogas, Angie King, Bonnie Loomis, and Michelle Rhoads.
Randy & Deb Bickel says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Pam Clarkson says
To my Dear Cousins Bev & Dave,
You have endured much. My Aunt Eileen had the best care she could have ever had.
Bless you both and may my Aunt Eileen rest in peace.
Shannon Holmen says
So sad to hear of your sweet mom. I really enjoyed her. She was so proud of her kids. Glad you have wonderful, loving memories to share.
teeny mcmunn says
There are no magic words to help with your loss. May she rest in peace.
I feel a part of my childhood is now gone. Many memories;))
Debi & John Ruppe says
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Dr. Randall Reynolds & Staff says
Bev & family Our deepest sympathy at your loss We are so sorry, we enjoyed your mother so much at our office. She kept us laughing with her sense of humor.
Sincerely Dr Randall Reynolds and staff
Diana Stieg says
Love to you all… Miss Eileen will be missed