Eunice Louise O'Brien was born August 16th in Sioux City, Iowa in 1937 and died peacefully in Pasco, Washington on May 21, 2024 at the age of 86.

Born at home to Olive Edwards Hodges and Clifford Hodges, Eunice grew up with three brothers; Edward, Charles and Harold. It was on their 4-acre property that her green thumb was created, which progressed to a life-long love of flowers and all things gardening. To her last years she nurtured a half-acre flower garden.

Eunice's first car was a 1955 Chevy Delray (look it up, kids, it's very cool). After graduating from high school, Eunice attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho, finishing her degree in Education in 1959. She returned to Sioux City for a short time to teach, then after her mother passed, moved to Kennewick, Washington at the urging of close friends. Eunice taught elementary children for the Kennewick school district, and it was there she caught the eye of Claude O'Brien, another teacher.

Eunice and Claude's fates entwined when they first met at a single teacher's potluck on October 19, 1962. The day after their introduction, Claude brought her two cleaned ducks he had shot and she cooked them, thus beginning daily visits and phone calls which led to a June wedding in 1963 at the Kennewick Nazarene Church. Eunice loved the flowers Claude was known for bringing her on special occasions.

Two years to the day they first met on Oct. 19, 1964, they welcomed their first child, Tim, followed by Tom in 1966, Kevin in 1968 and Kathy in 1970. They bought a plot of land and ordered their dream home from the Sears and Roebuck catalog. Their hospitality extended to exchange students Jun and Anja as well as many friends and family. Eunice loved her home and remained there until the last few years.

After Claude retired in 1990, they enjoyed traveling in their 5th wheel from coast to coast across the U.S. Claude relished being a snowbird in Arizona for a year or two while Eunice missed her house as a true homebody. Eunice lost Claude in 1996 to a heart attack. After Claude's passing Eunice kept busy being her family's biggest cheerleader at sporting events, performances, graduations and weddings. Eunice's adventurous spirit was evident in her trips to New Zealand, Alaska, Hawai'i, England, Ireland, various family reunions and a special mission trip to Vanuatu.

A long-time member of the Kennewick Nazarene Church, Eunice was a true servant in many ministries, including Sunday school, missions, choir and a musical trio. Eunice loved gospel music. She enjoyed teaching her grandchildren the simple joys of tasting ripe strawberries and the infinite pleasure of a hug from Grandma, mall-walking with her dear friend Kathy Lien, playing games and laughing late into the night.

Most of all, Eunice loved the Lord. She wrote in her journal, stating the one thing she wants people to remember about her;

"That I love and serve the God of the universe, who is the creator of all. Who sent His son Jesus to be my Savior, and the Holy Spirit who guides and controls my life. I thank Him for His Word and His promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven."

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Claude and brother, Eddie. She is survived by her brothers Harold and Charles Hodges, four children, Tim (Mary) O'Brien, Tom (Cheri) O'Brien, Kevin (Anh) O'Brien and Kathy (John) Mancinelli, ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one on the way. She will be fondly remembered by all for her quiet strength and steadfast faith.

Condolences can be sent to the family at Kathy Mancinelli, 9061 W. Deschutes Dr., Kennewick, WA 99336.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be sent in honor of Eunice to the Chaplaincy of the Tri-Cities at 1480 Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352 or online at tccbestlife.org under "donate"