Eleta Creutz

Eleta Irene Cate Creutz, 92, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024, at The Gables of Ammon Assisted Living in Ammon, Idaho, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind a legacy built on faith, service, and enduring love.

Eleta was born on November 26, 1931, in Hancock, Iowa, to Dr. Homer Delraine Cate (1900–1974) and Eva Helen Grossman (1905–1990). Raised alongside her siblings—Wayne Hoover Cate (1929–2019), Wendell Homer Cate (1930–2014), Delores Jean Cate (1932–2013), and Neva Mayree Cate (1934–2023)—Eleta embraced values of hard work, compassion, and faith, which she carried with her throughout her life.

Despite her visual challenges, Eleta attended the Nebraska School for the Blind, where she developed a passion for learning, poetry, and music. These experiences shaped her resilience, and she found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including roller-skating, sewing, and writing poetry that reflected her love for family.

In 1955, Eleta graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Special Education, with a minor in Human Development, Family Relations, and Psychology. She later pursued postgraduate studies, coming close to completing her Master’s Degree.

Eleta’s professional life was marked by service. She worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the blind with the Rehabilitation for the Blind in Colorado, helping visually impaired individuals gain skills for independent living. Her dedication combined education, counseling, and social work, making her a pillar of support in the community.

Eleta married twice in her lifetime. Her first husband, Bud R. Winegar (1924–1966), passed away during their marriage. Together, they had one daughter, Helen Lorine Winegar, who passed away as an infant in 1953. Eleta later married Ernest Adolph Creutz Jr. (1931–2001), with whom she built a gospel-centered home and raised two children: Homer and Julia.

Eleta’s life was one of faith and service. She cherished the principle of eternal families and found comfort in the knowledge that families can be sealed for eternity through temple ordinances. She reflected the Savior’s love in her everyday acts of service and showed love to those around her.

Eleta is survived by her children, Homer Ernest (Lescley) Creutz and Julia Mayree (Rich) Pavey, and her beloved grandchildren, Brittany, Joshua (Scotlyn), William, TJ, Walter, and Emily. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Adolph Creutz Jr.; her first husband, Bud R. Winegar; her infant daughter, Helen; her parents; and her siblings. Her family finds comfort knowing she has been joyfully welcomed by loved ones beyond the veil.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1100 Tie Breaker Drive, with Bishop Rhett Judy officiating. Services will be broadcast live at https://zoom.us/j/98259099123. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support during this time.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.