Hoover, Eileen Joan

Eileen Joan Hoover, 86, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Rock Island, Ill., died Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at her home surrounded by family. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Central Church of Christ in Cedar Rapids.

Eileen Hoover was born Jan. 27, 1925, in Nuneaton (Lester), England, to William and Gertude (Halkins) Ford. She married Wilburn T. Hoover on July 5, 1948, in Rosiclaire, Ill. She began training to be a nurse at a young age in England, and worked as a nurse for 10 years after moving to Cedar Rapids. She was also co-owner of Will's Auto Body Shop in Marion with her husband.

Eileen was a member of the Central Church of Christ in Cedar Rapids and spent her spare time reading, sewing, and cooking. She loved spending time with her family and was known to host tea parties.

Eileen will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by three sons, Leslie Hoover of Indianapolis and Adrian (Sara) and Tracy (Carrie) Hoover, both of Cedar Rapids; three daughters, Pauline (Tom) Duke of Atlantis, Fla., and Brittony (Chris) Martin and Alana (Mitch) Stephens, both of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Wiburn T. Hoover; her parents and her five siblings.

Eileen and her family would like to send their gratitude to the staff of St. Luke's Hospice and the University of Iowa Health Care for excellent care and treatment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke's Hospice and Central Church of Christ.

Online condolences may be left for the family at