Eleanor Jean (Bird) Chase

Eleanor Jean Chase, age 91, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2022.

Eleanor was born in Grand Rapids, MI, on July 5, 1931, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Pauline (Bodine) Bird. She attended Western Michigan University, where she received her bachelor’s in education. She worked as a teacher for 31 years, retiring from Kalamazoo Public Schools. She was a devout Christian and a member of the Free Methodist Church.

Eleanor married to Stanley W. Chase on July 24, 1954. They were married for 62 years before Stanley preceded her in death on July 10, 2016. She is survived by her children, Stanley W. (Lawrie) Chase II, Paula Jean Chase, and Ruth Ann (David)  Downs, and her stepsons Michael (Donna) Myhre, and James (Su) Myhre; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry W. Bird; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Gloria R. and (Howard) Martin.

Eleanor was an active, adventurous, kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend.  No person was a stranger to her as she found good in all people and relished relationships in all community’s she belonged. Over the years she enjoyed organizing events, bowling, golf, loved to play games, share Hors D’oeuvres and relax in the folly of laughter with family and friends.  She will be deeply missed and reunited with her husband Stan in the arms of God.

Memorial services for Eleanor will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at Langland Family Funeral Home, 3296 South 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009. The family will greet friends from 11:00am - 1:00pm, with the Celebration of Life and luncheon following.  Spiritual Life Coordinator Craig Rupp will officiate the service.

Monday, October 3, 2022.  Interment will take place in Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 1:30p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Eleanor’s memory to

SWMI Health Matters 5708 Venture Court, Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (gifts will go toward a special scholarship  providing wellness services to those with Alzheimer’s and their care providers)

Please visit https://www.langelands.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.