Eleanor Jean Menke, age 80 of Carman, Illinois died at 8:36 p.m. Saturday December 31, 2011 in the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. She was born August 24, 1931 in Gladstone, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Clara Oberly Bailey. On April 3, 1960, she married Earl R. Menke in Gladstone.

Mrs. Menke had worked at Sylvania in Burlington, prior to her marriage, and had farmed with her family for the past 50 years near Carman. She enjoyed her flowers, gardening, all animals, and helping with the fall harvest. She was a member of the Gladstone United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, one daughter - Susan Menke of Carman, (and her fianc, Marvin Roth), two brothers- her twin, Loren Buck (Ramona) Bailey of Oquawka, IL., and Raymond Pete (Paula) Bailey of Gladstone, IL. She was preceded in death by one sister - Mildred Bailey and two brothers- Edward and Clyde Bailey.

The funeral for Mrs Menke will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday January 4, 2012 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, with Rev. Steve Minkler officiating. Burial will follow in the Carman Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Banks & Beals, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.. Memorials have been established for the Gladstone Fire Department and the Gladstone Ambulance Service. Condolences may be left at www.banksandbeals.com.