Eloise M. Haupert

ELOISE M. HAUPERT

Fairfield

Eloise M. Haupert, 93, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully January 1, 2022.

A Celebration of Life service will be in the spring of 2022. Inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

In the spring various memorials will be made in Eloise Haupert's honor. Please mail cards and memorials to Sheri Haupert-Betz, 303 South 3rd Street, Fairfield, IA 52556.

Eloise was born September 4, 1928, near Ollie, the daughter of Leslie "Pat" and Mae Sheppard Hollingsworth. She grew up on a farm near Pekin and graduated from Martinsburg High School in 1945 where she was active in drama, music, band, sports and was co-editor of the school newspaper as well as being a cheerleader. On October 29, 1947, she married Donald E. Haupert. They lived in Pekin for 5 years before moving to Fairfield in 1957 where they lived in town and later in the country.

Eloise was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fairfield and was a Sunday school teacher. She was a member of Fairfield Woman's Club, American Hackney Association and charter member of the Jefferson County Hospital Auxiliary. Eloise was on the Parental Advisory board for Fairfield School, Brownie troop leader, former president of The Southern Drifters snowmobile club, past president of The Koffee Kup Bowling league and was a reporter for the Hackney Journal for several years.

Eloise started showing Shetland ponies at the age for 4 and later showing American Saddle Bred and Hackney Ponies. She raised Hackney ponies on the Haupert's Haven acreage for several years and among those was one called "The Gambler" who was the number one stallion in the nation for several years. Eloise won champion pony at the Iowa State Fair in 1976, 1988 and reserved champion in 1977. She also won championships in several other states throughout her career. In 1988 Eloise was inducted into the Iowa Horseman's Hall of Fame and served as the first lady president for 15 years. Her family also holds the state record of the most inductees in one family including her brother "Gib" Gilbert Hollingsworth and his son Gary.

Eloise enjoyed decorating the inside and outside of her house for each holiday. She was on the Christmas Pilgrimage fundraiser tour for the Mc Elhinny House, intown first on Highland and later South D Street. She also won the Fairfield Christmas Lighting Contest on Highland and later west of town on Highway 34. Her yard was always a delight to see as she spent timeless hours taking care of her lawn, flowers and outdoor figurines. Eloise was a friend to everyone and mother figure to many besides being an avid Hawkeye fan and loved to watch all basketball and football games.

She will be missed by her daughter, Sheri Haupert-Betz of Fairfield; one granddaughter, Brandi (Whitney) Hastings of Olathe, KS; three great-grandchildren, River, Gunison and Diezel Hastings; and one brother, Clark Hollingsworth of Tennessee.

Eloise was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Mae Hollingsworth; Donald Haupert on October 2000; her son on August 10, 1980, Kip Haupert; and one brother, Gib Hollingsworth.

Online condolences may be made to the family at behnerfh.com.