Eleanor M. Hartman was born February 25, 1923 in Crookston, Nebraska. She was one of five children born to William and Viola (Wiseflog) Hartman.

She married John Roy Kolessa on June 3, 1939 in Valentine. They were blessed with three children. Eleanor worked very hard for many years as a waitress for several Valentine restaurants. Her greatest joy was her family. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the United Methodist Church. Eleanor loved to cruise in her car.

Eleanor passed away December 11, 2012 at the Ainsworth Care Center at age 89. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sister Mildred Ogle and Brothers Lloyd Hartman and Leo Hartman. She is survived by daughters Georgia Spain and Patty Brown and son John Kolessa all of Valentine and sister Opal Hartman Wise of Omaha. Also surviving are grandchildren Shannon Hansen, Jeff Spain, Penny Kozal, Gary Garner, Johnny Kolessa and Ashley Kolessa, 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
Funeral service for Eleanor Kolessa age 89 of Valentine will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Visitation will be on Friday at 1:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.