Obituary of Margaret Eberle

Margaret Marie Eberle (nee Bane) passed away in Vancouver, WA on September 23, 2023, aged 97. Born on February 27, 1926, to Dr. C. Laverne Bane and Lora Kibbe Bane in Osceola, Iowa, her early childhood was spent moving with her parents and sister, Helen Louise Larson, throughout the Midwest for her father’s career in higher education. While he completed his doctorate at Stanford University, Margaret, her mother, and sister spent summers in Altoona, IA on her Bane grandparents’ farm. Other happy memories were times spent visiting her maternal grandparents and cousins on the Kibbe cattle ranch in Hereford, Texas. In the late 1930’s, the family settled in Salt Lake City when Dr. Bane accepted a professorship at the University of Utah in the speech and rhetoric department and coached the debate team. Proper grammar and diction and a love of literature were a must and an attribute she shared with her children and students. In 1942, the family moved to Topaz, Utah where Dr. Bane was involved with the WWII Relocation Camp for US-Japanese citizens. He set up the camp’s school system and, along with his wife, taught at all levels. Margaret’s unique experience led to lifelong friendships with, and admiration for, the Japanese people and culture. Later in life, Margaret authored “Gem of the Dessert,” a historical fiction Young Adult novel based on her time at Topaz. Margaret graduated in 1946 from her mother’s alma mater, West Texas A&M University, with a BS in Elementary Education, minor in Voice. Unaware of each other’s Utah backgrounds, Margaret met future husband, Peter (Pete) William Eberle, a University of Utah alumni, when each had separately moved to Berkeley, California. Margaret met future husband, Peter (Pete) William Eberle, a University of Utah alumni and transportation industry executive. They married in 1950. In her early career, she taught school in Vancouver, WA and Alameda, CA, and later was a substitute in the Orinda and Moraga Unified School Districts, CA. While a kind and accomplished teacher, singing, musical theater, opera, sewing, needlecrafts, and art were her passions. After living in Alameda and Pleasant Hill, CA, Margaret and Pete made Orinda, CA their home for twenty-two years. It was there they raised four daughters, were active in the community, and created wonderful memories. When asked, Margaret remarked that Orinda the favorite, most treasured place she had lived because it was where she grew her family, made lasting friends, and enjoyed the opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1977, Margaret and Pete relocated to Seattle, WA for his advancing career. She worked as a program assistant at Seattle Pacific University. Upon retirement, they moved to Vancouver, WA, and in 2008 were the one of the first residents to move into Cogir at the Quarry Senior Living Retirement Community. Margaret remained an active and cherished resident. Margaret had a heart for service and volunteered in a wide variety of organizations. She was active in the Orinda Community Church, Moraga Historical Society, D.A.C., D.A.R, AAUW, and Miramonte High School Book Bin. She is remembered fondly by the girls she mentored as a leader in the Alameda-Contra Costa Camp Fire Girls and the International Order of Job’s Daughters, Orinda-Piedmont Bethel. She was president of the Network of Executive Women (Seattle), and volunteered at William Temple House (Portland), Clark College’s Adult Literacy Program and Mill Plain Elementary School (Vancouver), the Portland Airport (concierge), and was an honorary life member of Columbia Presbyterian Church (Vancouver). As an advocate for women’s rights, Margaret felt it was essential to empower women and girls through education. She was proud that all her daughters were college educated, accomplished in their fields, and are leaving a legacy to future generations. Margaret is survived by her daughters: Lora Jane King (Randy), Elizabeth Payette (Dave), Mercedes Pederson (John) and Catherine Dieterich; 8 grandchildren: Peter and Johanna King, Meredith Payette Nichols, Eric, Travis, and Julia Pederson, William and Elle Dieterich; great grandchildren, River and Meadow King and Sebastian Salvo-Pederson; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Pete (2010), her parents, and sister. She was known as “the favorite Grandma.” Her caring, curiosity, and commitment to action will live on in all those she touched. The family appreciates the Cogir at the Quarry staff for many years of caring kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: World Vision, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063.