Eleanor Ann Taber

Eleanor Ann Taber, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful keeper of home and heart, passed peacefully at 86 years old in Denton, Texas.

Born on September 19, 1939, in Pecos, Texas, to Albert Leland and Ruth Elizabeth Binkley, Eleanor grew up beneath the wide West Texas sky—something she carried with her always in her calm spirit and wide-open generosity.

A proud graduate of Van Horn High School, Eleanor married the love of her life, Edward Curtis Taber, with whom she built a warm, steadfast home. For Eleanor, homemaking was not a task but a calling. She poured her energy into raising her children, tending her home, and cultivating an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome. Her accomplishments were not found on plaques or certificates, but in the lives she shaped—her children, her grandchildren, and the countless people who felt the comfort of her presence including those touched by her kindness as a volunteer as a Children’s Advocate for children in the foster care system. She would often rock and comfort newborn babies that were sick and in need of extra love and care.

Eleanor loved her flowers and garden. The Eleanor and Curtis Taber Vegetable Farm Garden of the Texas A&M University Gardens was named in her honor. Additionally, she had a beautiful Raphiolepsis named in her honor. Plant Development Services Inc, introduced the beautiful evergreen plant which produces prolific pink flowers named Eleanor Taber Hawthorn.

Eleanor was known for her love of cooking, her devotion to her books, and the joy she found in reading long into quiet evenings. She loved playing the piano and enjoyed all genres of music. Her tea parties—equal parts charm, hospitality, and a dash of whimsy—became treasured memories for those lucky enough to attend. She had a way of elevating simple moments into tender rituals.

She is survived by her loving husband Edward Curtis Taber; her children Susan Grayson and husband James, Karen Russell, Kathy Peterson and husband Jeff, and Steven Taber and wife Wendy; her cherished grandchildren Emma Grayson, Sarah Russell, Lyndsey Goodwin, Matt Peterson, Katie Peterson, Reed Taber, Jessica Taber, and Noah; and her great-grandchildren Kylee and Beau Peterson, Cade, Ella and Cole Goodwin. She is also survived by her sisters Barbara Woods and Rosie Walsh, who shared a lifetime of memories and sisterly laughter.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ruth Binkley, and her beloved son, Jim Taber, whom she now joins in eternal rest.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 starting at 9:00am at Heritage Funeral Home "Van Horn". A Graveside service will take place at 10:00 at Van Horn Cemetery, officiated by Father Sergio Legaretta.

In honor of Eleanor’s compassionate heart, the family asks that donations be made to a suicide prevention charity of your choice.

Eleanor lived a life woven with gentleness, loyalty, and enduring love. Her legacy will echo in the laughter around kitchen tables, the turning of well-loved pages, and the quiet moments shared over a cup of tea. She will be dearly missed and forever cherished.