Eila Mae Clark, 94, of Hutchinson, died June 2, 2017, at Hospice House.

Eila Mae Riisoe Edman Baringer Clark "Boots" was born at home on May 16, 1923, northwest of Kinsley, and was the first born to Fritz and Louise (Diers) Riisoe. She attended a one-room school in Goldenrod District #37 until the eighth grade and then attended Kinsley High School, graduating in 1941. While in high school, she was a member of the marching band percussion section and played the bells. She was a member of Northern Star 4-H, where she was involved with cooking, sewing, and needlework. Her love of needlework became a lifelong passion and she was a Kansas State Fair ribbon winner many times over. Her fondest memories were those surrounding growing up on the farm and the many hours spent with her father, Fritz. After high school, she attended Salt City Business College in Hutchinson and majored in secretarial skills. She also worked as a housekeeper for George Gano, who was well known in the grain industry.

She was a member of the American Legion from 1945-1950, the Eastern Star (the Mason's Women's Auxiliary) from 1947-1952, and a charter and lifetime member of VFW Lodge 7349. She also taught Sunday school for several years while living in Kinsley.

In 2004, she moved from her home of 46 years to Brookdale, where she was a secretary for the housing newsletter for a short time. She also served as deaconess for the First Congregational Church, where she was a member since 1956.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three husbands. Eila is survived by: her children, Larry Eugene Edman of Madison, Wisconsin, Douglas Dale Baringer (Maxine) of Hooker, Oklahoma, Debra Baringer Waldorf of Prairie Village, Belinda Baringer Crockett (Davy) of Valley Center; grandchildren, Donnie Baringer, David Gibbs, Nick Crockett (Amy), Titus Crockett (Deanna), Tyler Waldorf (Will Helling), Paige Waldorf, and Fritz Waldorf; great-grandchildren, Hanna and Addison Crockett, Greyson and Geren Gibbs, and Weston and Connor Crockett; siblings, John J. Riisoe of Kinsley, KS, and Julie Riisoe Ackerman (Kenny) of Offerle, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, for her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, for never forgetting to send a birthday card, and for her sense of humor.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum, Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.