Eunice Cavanaugh

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Eunice M. (Hofer) Cavanaugh, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2022, with her family at her bedside.

Eunice was born July 25, 1930, at home to Art and Leona (Julich) Hofer, in Humboldt, Kansas. Eunice was one of seven children. She graduated from Humboldt High School in 1948. Eunice met the love of her life, Pete Cavanaugh, when his motorcycle broke down while traveling through Humboldt, Kansas. They were married, July 4, 1949 and together they raised six girls and one boy.

Eunice was very active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church Community and Catholic Schools. She was a beautiful seamstress, creating wonderful memories making her children’s clothes, prom dresses and wedding dresses. Eunice’s face when she greeted you, told you everything, you entered her world and you belonged to her. She embodied the famous line, “To love another person is to see the face of God”. Family and friends enjoyed food, fun, laughter and love with Eunice.

Eunice is survived by her children, Pat Macy King (Lee), Francine Pim Dirnberger (Vern), Collette Johnson (Charlie), Stephanie Garrett, Michelle Riesenmy, Mary Ellis (Larry) and Bud Cavanaugh (Terri); nineteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Eunice is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph “Pete” Cavanaugh; her parents, Arthur and Leona (Julich) Hofer; a brother, Donald; a sister, Patricia (Hofer) Krone; and two grandchildren, A.J. Ellis and Victoria Reed.

Special Thanks for the loving care of Ravenwood, Springfield, Missouri. She loved the staff who always made her smile, especially the “Bobbsey Twins”, Cheryl and Janice. Also, to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday morning, May 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri, with Father Joe Weidenbenner presiding. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Larry Ellis, Justin Ellis, Matthew Johnson, Jeffry Riesenmy, Andrew Johnson and Aaron Ellis. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. Memorials are being directed to the American Cancer Society c/o the mortuary. On-line expressions can be sent to the family through www.thornhilldillon.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.