Eloise Otto Marvel
1918 – 2013
Eloise Craft Otto Marvel was born and grew up on a Nebraska farm, a daughter of Lester and Ruth Craft Otto. She married Alden L. Marvel, also of Nebraska, during World War II and lived in many locations as an Air Force wife. Eloise and Alden moved to Colorado Springs in 1966 for his last tour of duty and decided that was where they would remain.
She died at the age of 94 on March 9, 2013. She was predeceased by her husband; her son, Jeffrey K. Marvel; her brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Beverly Otto; her sister and brother-in-law, Jerre and Jim Lane; and her brothers-in-law, Don Fischer and Larry Smith.
She is survived by her daughter, Jill Marvel Smith and her husband Barton of Virginia; her sister, Marilyn Otto Fischer of Nebraska; her sister-in-law, Maurine Marvel Smith of Texas; and two grandsons, Sebring Alden Smith of Virginia and Bradley Marvel of Oklahoma.
Eloise was an elementary school teacher beginning in Nebraska, where she rode a pony to the schoolhouse, and continuing once her children were in school in Ohio, Virginia and Colorado Springs. Upon retirement, she volunteered as a docent at several museums in Colorado Springs and traveled the world with Alden.
She lived a wonderful life full of grace, courage, generosity and intellectual curiosity and will be deeply missed and remembered with love. Jill and Jeff were always very grateful to have had the privilege of being Eloise and Alden’s children.
Jill is deeply appreciative of Christine O’Maley for her many years of devoted assistance to Eloise. We also thank the dedicated staff at Emeritus at Bear Creek and Evercare Hospice for their care.
Eloise has been cremated and at her request, there will be no memorial service.
Any memorials may be made to The Hamilton County Community Foundation, Box 283, Aurora, NE 68818.