Eleanor Proctor

Eleanor Anne Proctor, 86, beloved wife, mother, and friend peacefully passed away on December 24, 2024, at her home in Deary, Idaho with her loving husband, Les Proctor and family by her side.

Eleanor was born in 1938 in San Diego, California. She is predeceased by her parents, George and Mary Faichney,her brother and his wife, Robert and Mildred Botts, her first husband, Edward Mahaffy, daughter, Susan (Mahaffy) Saunders, and stepdaughter, Cindy (Proctor) West. Eleanor is survived by her husband of 33 years, Leslie Proctor, her sons, Michael Mahaffy (Amanda) of Palouse and Steven Mahaffy (Leah) of Phoenix, stepson, Clark Proctor (Mari) of Pullman, and son-in-law, Rod Saunders of Nampa, 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

In her formative years, Eleanor was a shy and quiet girl. While acting in a high school play, Eleanor said there “she could be anyone she wanted to be.” After high school, Eleanor graduated from Woodbury College with a Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in secretarial science.  Bravely going on a blind date with an airplane mechanic, Ed Mahaffy, she and Ed were married in 1959. The couple had three children in three years, which explained why she was so tired in those early years! Ed and Eleanor moved to Moscow in 1968. Once the children were in school, Eleanor worked for the City of Moscow and with a real estate broker. After Ed passed away in 1987, Eleanor worked as a teller at Latah Federal Credit Union, which she enjoyed immensely. If you were lucky enough to conduct business there, many people commented on her positive outlook and fun conversation, as well as her competence at the window.

Eleanor also loved to travel, visiting Norway, (before meeting Les). She was fortunate enough to meet Les Proctor while square dancing where the two were married in 1991. A skilled quilter and knitter, Eleanor also enjoyed spending time with Les, (taking trips to the Oregon coast, Glacier, Yellowstone & Grand Canyon National parks; as well as traveling to Arizona, California and Southern Idaho to visit family) reading, visiting with her dear friend Gill each week, and participating in local activities with friends in and around Deary. If you knew Eleanor, you knew her twinkling blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair and always saw a positive and cheerful person who cared about others more than herself. Alzheimer’s Disease and her declining health did not change her sweet and thoughtful personality.

Eleanor loved her Christian faith which was always an important part of her life. At her passing, Eleanor and Les attended Moscow Bible Church. Les and family are thankful for the outpouring of love and support, making meals, cleaning, and caring especially Pastor Josh and his family as well as: Angie, Heather, Janet, Megan, Kristi, Jim & Tom. A special thank you to Elite Home Health and Hospice Care which made it possible for Eleanor to stay at home.

A celebration of life will be at Moscow Bible Church (which meets at Shorts Funeral Chapel) on Saturday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m. followed by family traveling to Pinecrest Cemetery in Deary for ash internment and a luncheon for all at the Deary Community Center. Donations may be made to Moscow Bible Church.