Memorial services for 86-year old Barbara Eitemiller of Chadron, NE, are Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10:00 at the United Methodist Church in Chadron.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Barbara Eitemiller was born June 17, 1936 in Evansville, IN, and passed away on April 21, 2023 at Crestview Care Center in Chadron.
Born to the late Alfred and lda (Wallingford) Riggs, she grew up in a hard working farming family and community. Her love of animals was evident throughout her life.
Barb had a passion for education from a young age and attended high school in Bowling Green, KY, and Martin, SD – graduating at 16 years old. She pursued her dream by attending the University of Western Kentucky, continued at South Dakota State, and concluded at Chadron State College with her teaching degree in secondary
education.
Barb began her teaching career in Crawford,where she quickly gained a reputation
as a great teacher who was loved by her students. During that time, she met her future husband, Norman Eitemiller, on a blind date. They married on October 5th, 1957.
Norm and Barb welcomed their daughter Norma Lou on April 7th, 1958, in Lincoln, NE, then the Eitemiller family then moved to Tulsa, OK, where Norman finished his degree in petroleum marketing. In 1961 they moved back to Chadron and on August 20th, 1962, their son Todd Eitemiller was born.
Barb continued to teach for 30-plus year, retiring in 1996 after touching the lives of many more students along the way. Her dedication to education and love for her students was
evident in everything that she did.
Outside of teaching career, Barb was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved music (singing, playing piano, ukulele), was active in Jaycees, loved to go four-wheeling in the Black Hills and spending time at Angostura Lake with her friends.
Barb will be remembered as a loving mother, a wonderful grandmother and a great teacher. She touched the lives of so many and her memory will live on through the countless lives she impacted.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Ida Riggs, her brother Ronald Riggs, and her husband Norman Eitemiller.
She is survived by daughter Norma Lou Eitemiller, Greeley, CO and her children Morgan
and Peyton; son Todd and his wife Vicki Eitemiller of Chadron and his children Brittany (Grant) her husband Alex and their children Julian, Dominic and Jaylen of Rapid City, SD. Megan Eitemiller of Chadron, Ashlyn (Smith), her husband Logan, Shawn Eitemiller of Rapid City, and Marshall (Bubby) Eitemiller of Chadron.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Barbara Eitemiller.
Thanks for the memories Barb. It was a honor to know you and I enjoyed our talks. God Bless you.
Condolences to the family from a former student.
I remember her giving me my first and only detention when I was a freshman in Crawford High Schoo.
I loved teaching with Barb. We shared many memorable times together. She and Norm were such good friends. Rest in peace, my dear friend.