Eliza W. Yeager, 78, passed peacefully at her home with her daughter, son, and granddaughter at her side on October 25, 2024.

Eliza, or E-ma, was born on August 23, 1946 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to George and Anne Wilder. She was the second of 5 children. She spent her childhood summers on the shores of Lake Geneva and graduated from Kemper Hall in Kenosha in 1964. After a year at the University of Colorado she transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She graduated in 1968 and on August 24th that year she married Richard (Dick) Yeager. They lived in Evanston, Illinois for several years until 1972 when Dick fell in love with the mountains and decided they had to move to Colorado. As the story goes, she told him to find a job…they ended up in Steamboat Springs and never left! In 1979 she started Steamboat Kids, a children's clothing store, which she successfully ran until 1992.

More than all that, E-ma was the "hostess with the mostest," a best friend, and an amazing grandmother. Over the years she had 5 Airedales, 3 poodles, and 1 Whoodle who were her constant companions.  Working in her raspberry bushes was her favorite pastime, resulting in hundreds of jars of "E-ma jam." Her pickles were also highly sought after, especially if they were made into Swedish nachos. Her sense of adventure was an inspiration; she became the "matriarch" and was the epitome of family. Her friends were her family, and she was always there when you needed her. She was always welcoming and gave the best hugs. She conquered any challenge and was a fighter to the end. Cancer stole so much from her through the years, but it never stole her spirit, her sense of humor, or her love. She had an unmatched tenacity of spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dick, sister Ruthie, and brother George. Her daughter, Kate (Chris) lives in Smyrna, GA with grandsons Ethan and Jonathan; her son Jeff lives in Fort Collins with granddaughters Isabelle and Alaina. Sister Lucy (Dale) resides in Lake Geneva Wisconsin and brother Jessel is in Wilmington, NC. Her beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews live throughout the US. We will all carry her in our hearts forever and continue to spread her legacy of love and tenacity of spirit.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 23 from 3-8 pm at her house.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Jan Bishop Cancer Center in her name.