Eleanor June McCullough

Eleanor June McCullough, 85, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 4, 2023, from age-related causes after a life of compassion and kindness.

Eleanor was born on August 15, 1938, to Ernest and June Austin in Great Falls, Montana. She was the oldest of two children along with her brother Edward Ernest Austin. She spent her childhood and teenage years in Great Falls where she developed her love of reading. Great Falls is also where 4 of her 5 sons were born.  As she often told, they were delivered by the same doctor and in the same hospital room as she was.

In 1964 Eleanor and her family moved to the Missoula area, where her youngest son Gordon was born. In 1969 Eleanor and her family purchased and moved to 10 acres on Sweeny Creek in the Florence area. It was while living at the Sweeny Creek property that she began her career of 39 years in the library at the Florence – Carlton School. The impact she made on the lives of the students of Florence – Carlton School was recognized on a late summer day while celebrating her 80th birthday. Eleanor and her family walked from her house to the football field to watch a game. Without knowing she would be there, as soon as the football team members saw her coming to watch them, they formed a tunnel and chanted her name and cheered as she walked through it. A true testament to a wonderful, caring, and compassionate Lady!

In the early 1980’s, she designed and built her house on Long Avenue just across from the Florence school and began a period that saw many local children pass through the door of her, before- and after-school day care. At this house she found her love of gardening and would work endless hours in her flower gardens and koi ponds. Her additional hobbies included collecting and refinishing antiques, quilting, and spending time at the symphony with friends.

Over her lifetime she had the opportunity to impact the lives of hundreds of children, teenagers, and young adults. Never did she once shy away from helping anyone whether it was advice, wisdom, a warm meal or one of her famous chocolate chip cookies. She never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen about her ‘five wonderful sons who all married wonderful women” and how so very PROUD she was of them all!

Eleanor was preceded in death by Mother June (1966) and Father Ernie Austin (2010). She is survived by her brother Edward (Judi) of Great Falls; sons Bruce (Sharon) of Helena, Steve (Kimberli) of Big Timber, Gary (Lori) of North Bend, Oregon, Stuart (Cathy) of East Helena, and Gordon (Angie) of Florence; twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

A private family gathering will be held in Great Falls where Eleanor will be laid to rest with her mother and father.