Eileen M. Naber

Eileen M. Naber

Cedar Rapids

Eileen M. Naber, 95, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at Cottage Grove Place, May 9, 2023.

She was born on a farm in Clarence, Iowa, to Leona and Henry Dircks on Sept. 10, 1927. She had a younger brother, Ken, whom she adored. Eileen graduated from Clarence High School in 1945 and always dreamed of being a teacher. She enrolled at Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) and received a degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching in 1947. She taught school for two years in Toledo, Iowa, and for three years in Tipton, Iowa. During high school, Eileen met John Naber and over the next five years they fell in love and were married on June 8, 1950, upon John’s graduation from the University of Iowa. They eventually settled in Cedar Rapids and celebrated almost sixty fun-filled years of marriage until John’s passing in 2009. They were fabulous parents to their three children, Steve, Craig, and Barb, and had two grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Eileen was fondly known as “Gigi” to her 3-year-old great granddaughter Makenzie, who she met in California at age 93. Eileen adored her family and was proud of their various activities and accomplishments. The family kept an incredibly close relationship, often traveling to Florida for spring breaks and many of the 50 states where memories were made. When the children were older, the family often met in Iowa, Dallas, Florida, California and at Hawkeye games. After John’s passing, Eileen spent time as a receptionist at Cottage Grove Place. It was during this time that she met Chill Hopkins. The two of them embraced their older years over the next decade by staying active, laughing, and enjoying each other’s families.

Eileen especially enjoyed family times and get-togethers with friends and relatives. She loved to entertain and was a great cook. Eileen was fashionable and loved shopping, especially for shoes! Getting her hair and nails done always put a smile on her face. She was a member of First Congregational Church and worked as a volunteer coordinator for 20 years recruiting members, planning social events, writing newsletters, and developing the coffee hour. She volunteered for Mercy Hospital, Brucemore, Cedar Rapids Art Museum and the Taste of Cedar Rapids, and was a member of Chapter JI, PEO. Eileen enjoyed bridge club with her friends, playing tennis and golf, and attending or watching Iowa Hawkeye games with her family. She enjoyed traveling in the U.S., Europe, Hawaii, Montreal and boarding Caribbean cruise lines. Eileen is most treasured for the enduring love she had for her family. She will be greatly missed.

Eileen is survived by her son Craig Naber of Naples, Fla., her daughter Barbara Rich of Los Angeles, Calif., granddaughter Leslie (Joe) McLoughlin, great-granddaughter Makenzie McLoughlin, and grandson Jeff Naber all of Laguna Niguel, Calif., brother Ken (Shirl) Dircks of Lowden, Iowa, and extended family members.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband John Naber, son Steve Naber of Dana Point, Calif., her parents, and extended family members.

The family will greet friends and relatives at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, 2023. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Congregational United Church of Christ.

A special thanks to the staff at Cottage Grove Place for their ongoing friendship and care for Eileen.