Eileen Proudfoot was born to Forrest and Bertha Proudfoot in 1921 in Delta, Ohio. The Proudfoot family moved to Wauseon when Eileen was a baby. After 3 years they moved to Whitehouse, Ohio but 5 years later moved back to Wauseon for good.
Eileen recalled moving many times in each locale, but no matter the house they lived in, her mother made it so cozy it seemed like a palace to her and her brother Mike. She graduated from Wauseon High School in 1939.
On Oct. 5, 1941 she married the love of her life, Virgil (Whitey) Rupp. Together they raised 5 children. She was a devoted wife and mother who cherished her family. The Rupp household was a welcoming place to relatives and others.
Various relatives lived with us for lengthy periods. Grandparents and other extended family frequently came for Sunday dinners. Anyone who came home with one of the children always had a place at their table.
Eileen lived a life of prayer. True to scripture, she put God first, others second, and herself last. Every day she prayed for family members, friends or someone in need. That is her abiding legacy. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren may never fully know all the heartfelt prayers she said, and continues to say, for them.
Church was very important to Eileen. She was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren church choir for a long time. Over the years various E.U.B. ministers, who lived next door, often came to her home to sample her cooking, or to discuss church issues with husband Whitey, a long-time member of the church council and teacher of the adult Sunday school class.
Eileen and Whitey were both outstanding chefs. They always prepared multiple dishes for church social events. Family dinners were always delicious. Holiday meals were culinary delights and are fondly remembered by all who gathered at their table.
Eileen loved traveling, spending time at the lake with her children, and visiting famous landmarks in our beautiful country. The highlight of her travels was a visit to France with her daughter Sue and her French class during which time she visited the D-Day beaches.
One of husband Whitey’s unfilled wishes was to revisit the places such as Normandy where he served overseas; our mother fulfilled his wish. She found names of young men she knew on the wall of tribute. She touched each one and said a prayer.
Eileen loved going out to lunch with her group of friends, playing cards and bingo, going on day trips with seniors, and listening to all music – especially gospel music. She was an avid reader, well known to the Wauseon Library staff, and kept extensive journals. She made detailed handwritten notes for most pages in the Bible. She never missed sending a birthday card to every loved one in her family.
Her 13 grandchildren adored her, and looked up to her as a wonderful role model. That admiration is being passed on to her 21 great-grandchildren. Her 5 children loved and adored her as well, and thanked her often for raising them in a Christian home. We were so fortunate that her mind was very keen right to the end of her life. Truly God has blessed her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Whitey in 1988, and 3 great-grandchildren: Anna Chapman Haase, Owen Reiter Chapman, Brody Jason Mouch, and recently her brother Mike Proudfoot.
She is survived by her five children: Gary (Julie) Rupp, Sue (Stan) Chapman, Diane (Larry) Weber, Beth (Steve) Richards, and Tami (Mark) Emans; by her grandchildren: Jonathan (Carrie) Rupp, Gregory (Sarah) Rupp, Suzy Rupp, Lisa (Phillip) Haase, Lori (Paul) Fioravanti, Marc (Bronwyn) Chapman, Brian Weber, Brannan (Hannah) Weber, Jarrod (Erin) Weber, Eric Ryker, Nicole (Rich) Davis, Allison Riegsecker, Abby (Paul) Harmon; and by her great-grandchildren: Zoe and Emery Rupp, Olivia and Ava Rupp, Carolyn and Carter Haase, Mario, Silvia, and Dean Fioravanti, Chloe and Drew Chapman, Eli and Avery Weber, Tyler and Jackson Weber, Trent and Ty Davis, Riley and Sawyer Riegsecker, Max and Lake Mouch.
Our family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers at Fairlawn Haven. They took such tender care of our mother. We are also grateful to Hospice of NW Ohio, a very special organization with very special nurses.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of NW Ohio or to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. Edgar-Grisier Funeral Home in Wauseon has been entrusted with arrangements.
There will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held for family at Wauseon Union Cemetery at 1 PM on Friday May 29. When we are able to congregate under better conditions, we plan to have a memorial service for this great lady.
Eileen taught us not only how to live in grace but also how to die with dignity. At the instant she died the sun suddenly beamed brightly into her room, creating a transcendental-like atmosphere. Another angel was taken home.
“Mother you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide. Although we cannot see you, you are always at our side.” (Anonymous).
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