Eileen Augusta Hines, 72, died at her home Jan. 31, 2011, surrounded by family. She was born July 5, 1938, in Denver, Colo., to Hans Jessen and Mildred Pekrul. She was raised in Denver attending St. John’s Lutheran School and graduated from South High School in 1956. She attended Colorado State University and later in life earned an AA at Skagit Valley College. While in high school Eileen worked at Miss Gabrieal’s Restaurant as a waitress then at Gates Rubber Company Credit Union for about five years.
In 1966, Eileen married Gordon “Skip” Hines in Denver and together they raised three children. Being a military wife, Eileen moved with her husband and children to many places around the globe. She lived in California, Tennessee, Okinawa, Japan, Virginia, England, Florida and Washington. She always made sure her children embraced the culture and sites of the various places they lived, and was able to explore the United Kingdom and Europe while living in England.
Eileen was an excellent seamstress and tailor, making clothes for her family, designer clothing stores, golf clubs and even her husband’s military dress uniforms. She won numerous awards for her sewing ability including a champion 4-H ribbon while still in high school. Eileen also enjoyed flower arranging, Japanese needlepoint and Japanese doll making. While in Japan she took classes and became a certified kimekomi doll making instructor. However, Eileen’s favorite pastime was spending time with her grandchildren. They were one of her greatest joys in life. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart and she and Skip tried to attend as many of their award ceremonies, performances and sporting events as possible.
Eileen is survived by her children Reneé (Frank) Mueller of Coupeville, Michele (Rick) Chapman of Oak Harbor and Skip (Emilie) Hines of Kirkland; grandchildren Trevor and Paige Mueller, Codie Davis, Jonathan, Jared and Hailey Chapman; step-grandchildren Kris, Kammie and Erik (Andrea) Chapman and Blake, Cole, Isabel and Jillian Hines; siblings Dick (Betty) Jessen, Marlene Cummings, Mike (Sandi) Jessen and Sherrie (Don) Zimmer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Skip in October 2010.
A memorial service for Eileen will be held Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. at San de Fuca Chapel with a reception following at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club. Remembrances may be made to Ecola Bible School, Washington Men’s Gymnastics Foundation or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel where friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register and leave memories for the family.
