Elinor Egle Beneda

Elinor Egle Beneda

LOMPOC, Calif. —Elinor Egle Beneda passed away on Feb. 16, 2021. Her memorial service will be at the Eden Church in rural Wauneta, Neb., on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 10 a.m.

She survived her husband, Glen Beneda; and four older brothers, Robert, Ralph, Virgil and Loren.

Her father and mother, Henry and Hazel Egle, were homestead dryland farmers. Elinor lived through the “Dust Bowl,” and the “Great Depression.” She was schooled in a one-room Eden School House from the first through eighth grades. After the eighth grade, she went on to Wauneta High School, and on to college, until the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Her brother, Ralph Egle, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and became a bomber pilot. Sadly, he was killed in action on a bombing mission near Ploiești, Romania.

It was love at first sight when she met fighter pilot Glen Beneda at a USO dance in McCook, Neb. They were married and had twin sons, Edward and Henry.

In 1951, they moved to California and in the early 1960s, she worked on the Mercury and Apollo space programs. When the Apollo 13 disaster occurred, Elinor was one among many of her co-workers who were part of the rescue mission team to get the spacecraft and its crew safely home.

After she retired, she learned how to play golf so she and Glen could enjoy their golden years together. Elinor was very strong in her faith, and a gifted prayer warrior. She prayed daily for her family members, pastor, church, neighbors, acquaintances, and golfing girlfriends. Throughout 97 years, her prayers accomplished much! Rest in peace Elinor, we will always love you! Amen.