Eleanor Grace Root

Eleanor Grace Root, age 83, of Pillager, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at St Joseph’s Essentia Medical Center in Brainerd. Eleanor was born at home in Pillager on June 8, 1941, to Vernie & Gladys (Erickson) VanVickle. She married Raymond Root on June 3, 1961, and they had two daughters.

Eleanor worked at Madden’s Resort, Crestliner Boats, cleaning private homes and selling Avon. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Pillager, holding various offices and active in the ladies small groups. She sang in the choir and performed many duets.

Eleanor preferred to stay close to home but was supportive of Raymond’s love of road trips. She enjoyed two memorable trips to Montana and Oregon this past summer.

She loved flowers and hummingbirds. She had a beautiful collection of blue and white dishes in her cozy kitchen. Eleanor entertained many guests there. Her love language was Acts of Service. She enjoyed playing table games like Skip-bo, Rook and Scrabble. She also enjoyed watching game shows with her family.

It is no secret that her family was her greatest treasure, she spoke of them often with love and great pride. She will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Janelle (Richard) Karst and JoEllen (Derek) Johnson; grandchildren, Vanessa (Mark) Rudolph, Teresa (Kaden) Karst, Christina Karst, Michael (Melissa) Karst, Amber (Sean) Racelo, Ashley (Kevin) Vogt, Noelle Johnson, Miranda Johnson and Alexis Johnson; great-grandchildren, Colton, Myles, Emma, Liam, Kade, Kohen, Ivey, Eden, Lorelai and Adalyn; sister, Adele (Lyle) Orem; many nieces, nephews and dear friends; her beloved dog, Sadie.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Raymond; brothers, Eugene VanVickle and Arnold Vanvickle.

Services for Eleanor will be held on Monday October 14, 2024, at 11AM at First Baptist Church in Pillager. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 2-5PM, and one hour prior to the service, Monday at the Church.