Eunice Ellen Stellmon Covert Gilliland, born on June 21, 1939, in Nez Perce, Idaho, passed away peacefully at her home on September 2, 2026, after a courageous battle to extend her life through twenty three monthly blood transfusions. She was the beloved daughter of Carey Ivon Stellmon and Glee Lorraine Moomey Stellmon, and was predeceased by her dear parents, her husband John Gilliland, an infant daughter, and her only sibling, Leone Stellmon Rinehart. Eunice absolutely loved that she became “Auntie” at the age of 10, and frequently babysat her sister’s six children, Cindy, Louise, Beth, Judith, Jim, and Bob Rinehart. 

Eunice was a cherished mother to her children: Terri Covert VarnHagen (Tim), Jeff Covert, Scott Covert, and Janice Gilliland McCarley (Larry). Her legacy continues through her twelve grandchildren: Louis “Scotty” Covert, Heather VarnHagen Graham, Jordan Covert, Luke VarnHagen, Katheryne Vitale Barrios, Ben Covert, Kate Covert, Kathee Moyes, Steven Moyes; Bertrand Bukuba, Tara Kurtz and Fred Henderson III also call her Grandma; and her precious great-grandchildren: Trevor, Makayla, Alysia, and Noah VarnHagen; Travis, Denise, and Savannah Graham; Triana and Mateo Covert; David Anthony John Barrios; and Arion, Wyatt, and Meadow Moyes; and Great Great grandchildren: Jonathon, Levi, and Carson Moyes. 

In Idaho, Eunice graduated from Potlatch High School in 1957. She later pursued her passion for education, earning an Associate of Arts degree from Cerro Coso College. She furthered her commitment to education by becoming Abeka Program Certified in Florida. Throughout her career, she found joy and fulfillment in teaching, especially at Immanuel Christian School where she worked for 14 years. Her greatest joy was witnessing children turn to Jesus, a testament to her strong faith and devotion.

Eunice’ professional journey began at her Uncle Charles and Aunt Peggy's newspaper, the Latah County Press, where she melted pig iron metal in a pot, poured it in a mold, inked it, and ran paper over it to create the newspaper at a young age. Eunice was also a talented Singer Sewing instructor in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and continued to share her love for sewing in Moscow, Idaho, where she taught and altered clothing at "The Needle Nook." She made clothes for her children and could always improve on the fit of any garment. Her ability to encourage and listen to others was always a hallmark of her character, and she was known for her smile and seemed in to "glow" with love and encouragement. 

Eunice was an active member of the Moscow Idaho Methodist Church for five years, the All Faith Chapel Protestants at China Lake for eight years, and the Immanuel Baptist Church for an astounding 47 years. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was known to be a great prayer warrior within her community. 

As well as singing, sewing, quilting, and teaching, Eunice also had a penchant for post hole digging and property improvements. She and her husband John opened their home to many church newcomers and several Bible Study groups. Her warmth and kindness were evident in her interactions, and she had a unique ability to connect with others by sharing her own life experiences, thus encouraging them to open up about theirs.

A celebration of Eunice's life will be held on October 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel of Ridgecrest, located at 210 East Springer, Ridgecrest, CA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support local Good News Clubs (after school clubs where volunteer teams from many churches share the gospel, disciple children and encourage their families to join a church.) Donations can be made online at www.cefsoca.com or sent to CEF of So. CA, PO Box 371450, Reseda, CA 91337. Please add note: “for Eastern Sierra Chapter.” .

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to: Fred and Anne Henderson and family for treating us like family when John and Eunice’s health declined and needed help with their affairs; High Desert Haven; Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Draw Station, Pavilion, ER, Laboratory, and Blood Bank departments; and Oasis Hospice Ridgecrest team for their outstanding care of Eunice during her final years. 

Eunice's parting messages for everyone are: "If I see a character defect in someone else, I recognize it because it's also in me. I work on that defect in myself with God's help, and pray for that other person." "Don't try to push the river; let the river flow." "In the waiting, God is working." "Don't say “ I should have” "The only one you have to please is God." "I like you as you are, exactly and precisely. I think you turned out nicely." "The best things in life are free! Whereever you see friendship, loyalty, laughter, and love, there are your treasures."