Eleanor Cecilia Steiniger Jakiela

Eleanor Cecilia Steiniger Jakiela, age 97, of Ruston, was born in Wallingford, CT, on Sept. 7, 1922, and died on April 24, 2020 in Ruston, LA. She was the youngest of four girls.

After graduation she married her high school sweetheart, Walter Jakiela, Sr. During his naval career they lived all over the United States.

Eleanor provided a loving environment for their two sons, Walter, Jr. and Michael. She always immersed herself in the local cultures wherever they were stationed. Eleanor was a talented quilter, knitter, seamstress, and cook. There was always a delicious meal being prepared in her kitchen. She was quick to volunteer to help any organization or cause. Eleanor was a dedicated Pink Lady at the Rio Racho Hospital in New Mexico for many years. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, The Women’s Guild, and enjoyed cooking for the Louisiana Tech Student Lunch program at the church.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; husband, Walter Jakiela, Sr. and son Michael.

She is survived by her son Walter Jakiela, Jr. and wife, Barbara; grandchildren, Allison Jakiela Webb and husband Daniel; Gregory Jakiela; greatgranddaughters, Lauren, Alyssa, and Paige Webb; several nieces and nephews; and Maggie, her beloved Shih Tzu.

Eleanor loved everyone with a big heart and she will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Arbor-Terrance and Compassus Hospice Care for their love and kindness during this time.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 810 Carey Avenue, Ruston, LA 71270 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A private graveside service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatraickfuneralhomes.com