Eileen Jeannette Gardiner

Eileen was born on January 1, 1925, in Wright County, Minnesota, to Detlef Backen and Florence Keay (née Wood). During World War II, she proudly answered her country’s call, serving as a Rosie the Riveter at Hill Field in Ogden, Utah, where she helped maintain military aircraft in support of the war effort. She was proud to have done her part, and the resilience, patriotism, and strong work ethic she demonstrated during those years became hallmarks of the life she lived.

Following the war, Eileen made West Covina, California, her home, where she built a distinguished career with the City of Anaheim. Through years of hard work and dedication, she rose to become the City’s Head Buyer, retiring after a long and successful career.

Anyone who knew Eileen knew she was fiercely independent, wonderfully stubborn, and never afraid to speak her mind. She believed in doing things her own way and approached life with determination, resilience, and quiet strength. She also had a lifelong love of ballroom dancing. Whether gliding across the dance floor or sharing stories of dances gone by, dancing remained one of her greatest joys.

After many years of living independently in California, Eileen moved to Colorado four years ago to be closer to her granddaughter, Diana. Those four years became a priceless gift, filled with everyday moments, laughter, and memories that her family will cherish forever.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Detlef Backen and Florence Keay (née Wood); her brother, John Horace Backen; her sister, Margaretha Gertrude Workman; her nephew Charles R. Mattlin; and her beloved and only child, Steven Peter Buch.

She is lovingly survived by her grandson, Phillip Buch of Alabama; her granddaughter, Diana Buch, and Diana’s spouse, Amy Buch, of Colorado; her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Buch of Texas; her nieces, Candace Fasl, Charlotte Hayes, and Jackie Sweetland; her nephew, Ronald Backen; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Eileen will be remembered for her unwavering strength, sharp wit, determination, and the love she showed in her own unique way. She lived through a century of extraordinary change, never losing the grit, resilience, and grace that defined her generation.

She helped build a nation, built a remarkable life, and left this world with footprints that will never fade. We like to think she’s back on the dance floor, where the music never ends.