Eileen Wanda Wilcox

Eileen Wanda Wilcox April 9, 1934 - January 21, 2022 East Wenatchee, Washington Eileen W (Rice) Wilcox, of East Wenatchee, WA, formerly of Leavenworth (Lake Wenatchee, WA), passed away peacefully in her home on January 21, 2022, with her husband by her side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who was loved by all that knew her. Eileen was born on April 9, 1934, to Rodman and Mary Jo Rice in Wenatchee, WA. She attended school in Monitor, 25 Mile Creek (Lake Chelan), Manson, and East Wenatchee before graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1952. Eileen was one of the original Bridge Walkers and also has the distinction of having fallen from a construction ramp with the George Sellar bridge was under construction. Eileen was married to her first husband David R Jones right out of high school and went to Norfolk, VA where her husband was in the navy. Daughter Laura was born in October 1953. After returning to Wenatchee, son David was born in July 1956 while they lived in Rock Island. They later moved to Leavenworth where son Daniel was born in May 1960. In 1962, when she was pregnant with daughter Jennifer (born later in November), Eileen was widowed due to a tragic construction accident on Stevens Pass in August. She was devastated and at one point in the winter drove to Stevens Pass and attempted to drive through a snowbank to follow him. Luckily a trucker (unknown) pulled her out of the snow and talked her into going home. Later while volunteering to build the Leavenworth Float entry in the Apple Blossom Parade, while selling tickets to finance the entry, she met Dale and they formed a friendship that started to blossom, and within a few months he asked to become a part of her family in marriage. She accepted and on August 1, 1963, they were married by the Reverend Oscar Olsen in the Leavenworth, Methodist Church. A little more than a year later on August 6, 1964, son Wayne joined the family. Eileen was passionate about caring for family by always being there when the children returned from school with baked goods and wonderful meals. Her pies were the best! She loved all outdoor activities such as walking trails, trail bike riding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and boating with family and friends. While living in Yakima, she volunteered at an elementary school with underprivileged children - the children grew to know her as Gramma Eileen. Eileen is survived by her loving husband of 58 years: Dale Wilcox; her children: Laura Kline of Selah, David (Bonnie) Jones of Wenatchee, Daniel Jones of St Augustine, FL, Jennifer (Eric) Hendrickson of Newport, and Wendy (Phil) Carolan of Winlock; 19 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and numerous others who loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Wayne, and first husband David. Eileen touched many lives and was beloved by all that knew her. She was a member of the Rocky Reach Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While Eileen enjoyed many things in life, nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her loved ones, and her eyes sparkled with every new grandchild she held. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 9, 2022. It will be held at Church of Jesus Latter Day Saints East Wenatchee. You are invited to visit Eileen's Online Tribute at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com where you can share a memory with the family. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee and Cashmere.