Eileen Hacking Lentz's Obituary
Eileen Hacking Lentz, 71, passed away peacefully at home in South Salt Lake, Utah on February 27, 2025, following a brave fight against cancer.
Born as the 7th child of the 7th child of the 7th child, Eileen Hacking was welcomed into the world by Kenneth Elbert Hacking and Laurel Maud Small Hacking on April 18, 1953, in Rexburg, Madison, Idaho. She was raised on a dairy farm in Archer, Idaho along with her four sisters and three brothers. She graduated from Madison High School in 1971 and earned an associate degree in education from Ricks College.
In September 1974, she embarked on a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission and the Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission. The first investigator she taught who chose to be baptized was a young insurance agent in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, James Edward Lentz. While she continued serving faithfully, “Jim” stepped up his efforts to court her by traveling to Idaho to work on her family’s farm. After she completed her mission in March 1976, Jim & Eileen were married and settled down in Millersburg. They were sealed in the Washington, DC temple.
Eileen and Jim had three children together, two sons and a daughter. Eileen returned to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Penn State University and a master’s degree in special education at Shippensburg University. She was a gifted schoolteacher for many years and had a profound impact on countless young people.
As a mother, grandmother, teacher, and family history consultant, she helped unite families and communities in doing good. She served in virtually every capacity available in her wards and branches, giving tirelessly to those in need. She cherished all of God’s children and creations.
Eileen is survived by her:
Husband, Jim Lentz
Son, Derek Lentz (Chandra) and his seven children
Daughter, Kathy Spendlove (Stuart) and her nine children
Son, Sam Lentz (Brittany) and his four children
Sister, Maggie McLaughlin
Brother, Ken Hacking (Carole Jeanne)
Sister, Rosalie Leman (Tom)
Brother, Chuck Hacking
She was preceded in death by her:
Father, Kenneth Hacking
Mother, Laurel Small
Sister, Janet Hacking
Sister, Carolyn McMurtrey
Brother, Rulon Hacking
Eileen’s family wishes to express our gratitude to her medical team, ward members, and neighbors who offered so much love and support to ease her suffering in recent years. We are filled with gratitude for the additional time and joy you generously brought into our lives.
Eileen’s funeral will be Friday, March 7, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Riverfront Ward, 601 Mansfield Ave, South Salt Lake, Utah 84106.
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