MENDOTA - Lorene Verda Eich, 87, of Mendota passed away Dec. 18, 2020 at Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Center, Oregon due to complications of respiratory distress and a long battle with dementia.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at Restland Cemetery, Mendota with Rev. Susan Presley officiating. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling the arrangements.

Lorene was born Sept. 10, 1933 in Earlville to Lowrey and Mattie (Underwood) Burd, the third child among five siblings, Dorothy, Leroy, Donna, Gene and Jerry. She married Arthur Eich on June 30, 1951 in Earlville. He preceded her in death in 1989.

Survivors include four children, Terry Eich, Robyn (Michael) Miller, Kris (Don) Holdenrid and Richard Eich; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Donna (Kenny) Tillman; and two brothers, Gene (Janelle) Burd and Jerry (Ruth Ann) Burd.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one sister, Dorothy Brower; one brother, Leroy Burd; and one grandson, Joshua Eich.

Lorene was deeply loved by her family, friends and church. She was the center of love to a very large multigenerational family and her deep kindness is something that is still felt in their hearts to this day. She made the best blueberry muffins in the world and she often gifted others large plates of cookies. She also loved to knit and crochet. Her home was always welcoming and full of love and her laugh was one that stuck to your soul. Lorene did not take anything for granted in her lifetime and she was so grateful for everything that was given to her. She spent much of her free time reading the Bible and loved listening to Johnny Cash or Elvis Presley. Before moving into a nursing home, she was the eldest at her church and was very involved in church activities. She enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and frequently hosted holidays at her house with a big pot of chili. She collected owls because of her nickname “screech,” which was given to her because of her large, beautiful eyes. She was a grandma who loved having her grandkids over and would wave to them from the driveway every time they left.

Memorials may be directed to Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Center. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.