Obituary of Eleanor Ann Carden

Eleanor Rohr Carden
March 15, 1921 - March 1, 2018

Eleanor Rohr Carden went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 1, 2018.

Eleanor was born to William and Albertina Rohr in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Her early years of education were at Dr. Martin Luther Church where she attended school and was confirmed in her faith. She went on to be an honor graduate of Oconomowoc High School. This foundation of faith, hard work, and determination defined who she was and sustained her for 96 years.

Eleanor found her first job at Optenberg Drugstore in Oconomowoc. It was the early ‘40s and men and boys were going to war. Eleanor's brother-in-law was one of those boys. In his letters, he talked about a soldier buddy by the name of Frank Carden who needed to receive letters too. Eleanor began writing to this southern boy from Griffin, Georgia and after the Japanese surrendered in 1945 Eleanor traveled with her sister, Alberta, from Wisconsin to Georgia to visit her pen pal. A year later, Frank and Eleanor were married.

Always the determined woman, Eleanor resumed her career at Lane's Rexall Drugstore in downtown Griffin.  Later, she moved across the street to Jesse's Drug Store. Over the next 40 years, she worked at Henry's Drug Store and others, supporting her family by becoming what her family would call a "self-taught pharmacist." 

When she was not working in the pharmacy, Eleanor was serving as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir, and a constant prayer warrior at Highland Baptist Church where she was a member since the early '50s. 

Eleanor was the quintessential example of the strong woman, wife, and mother that transforms a family.  Like so many who grew up in her generation,  her life had many trials.  Eleanor overcame, persevered, and excelled. A young woman from Wisconsin who dared to travel to Griffin, Georgia to meet her soldier pen pal. A wife who supported a combat veteran.  A mother who carried her family and showed her kids what real strength - rooted in faith - is. A loyal friend who served her community. A human being we should all aspire to emulate. Her legacy lives on in her family.

Eleanor was the widow of the late Julian Frank Carden. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jerry Bonner of Marietta and her son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Suzanne Carden of Griffin.
Grandchildren: Rhett Bonner and Sloane Bonner Frazer of Marietta; Joshua Patrik Carden and Frank Chase Carden of Meansville; and Cody Lee Carden of Zebulon. Great Grandchildren: Madeline Bonner; Katie Bonner; Rhett Bonner Jr.; Ashton Frazer; Reid Frazer; Brayden Dean Ingle; Brody Lee Carden; Curtis Logan Carden; Eleanor Elizabeth Carden; Jacob Lane Carden; Joshua Preston Carden; Kynlee Marie Carden; Lofton Bailey Carden; and Sawyer Glen Carden. Niece: Darlene Carden Bozeman, nephews: Asbury Carden; Charles Carden; and Scott Carden.

Funeral services will be held in the Chapel of Conner Westbury Funeral Home in Griffin on Monday, March 5^th at 2:00 P.M.  with the Reverend Argin Floyd officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until to 2:00 P.M. Burial will be in the family plot at Teamon Baptist Church Cemetery in Griffin.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Highland Baptist Church, 100 East McIntosh Rd. Griffin, GA 30223.

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfuneralhome.com