Eileen Buckingham
Eileen Carol Buckingham was born to Harold and Esther Skaar at Mercy Hospital in Williston, N.D., on the 12th Day of Dec. 1951. The Skaar family called western North Dakota home, and Eileen was raised with a bit of the pioneer spirit of the west. As a young lady she participated in the drama team, the high school newspaper staff, and did twists and turns with the high school gymnastics team. She graduated with the Watford City class of 1970, and chased her young talented spirit to Dickinson State College where she would soon meet the love of her life, John Carl Buckingham. The two quickly fell in love and married Sept. 5, 1971. Eileen worked as a teacher’s aide and studied with John while at DSC. After his graduation in 1974, they both did internships with the National Forest Service and worked as fire fighters in Wyoming. One of their favorite places was near a mountain top in southeast Wyoming where they built trails and cabins together for the forest service. On this mountain they hunted, fished, hiked and spent much of their younger days falling in love and living out their dreams. Somewhere in those mountains they even lived in a lookout fire tower. Then they moved to Carbon County, Wyo., where they raised their first two children, Chad and Justin. They loved elk-hunting, camping, motorcycle riding and anything that cried of the wild outdoor adventure.
In the early 1980’s, Elieen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which brought the family many challenges in the years to come. After Darcy was born, and Eileen had some time to rest, the family moved to Keene, N.D., to work on the Skaar family farm, and the last baby girl, Jill, was added to the family. They helped with the Shekinah Bible camp and farmed there until 2002, when Eileen’s disease progressed to the point of needing full time nursing care. She resided at the Good Shepherd Home until 2010. Eileen then followed her daughter Darcy and moved to Fargo, N.D. to be closer to the grandchildren. This is where she passed peacefully on the 24th day of our Lord, Feb. 2024 surrounded by her loving family, and the final answer to prayer and complete healing was given.
She will always be remembered for her class. She loved hats, jewelry, and playing bingo. She taught many lessons in her life. She was outspoken about her disdain for complaining. It is a sin, and she never complained no matter how hard life got. She was gentle, kind, loving, giving, and a great listener. She suffered greatly through the storms of life, but with a difference everyone could see. She lived through the grace of God, and a quietness that can only be of the Lord. She was born again and was saved the Bible way. She had a relationship with her heavenly Father that carried her through every trial.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John Buckingham; and her parents, Harold and Esther Skaar. She is survived by her children, Chad (Jody) Buckingham, Justin (Danielle) Buckingham, Darcy (Travis) Horner and Jill Buckingham. Nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her sisters, Diane (Andy Freeman) Skaar and Patti Gunderson; and her brother, Brian (Bev) Skaar; and numerous nieces and nephews
Funeral Services was held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D., with Pastor David Dennis officiating. Visitation was held on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Watford City, N.D. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, N.D., is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Eileen will be laid to rest in Hanna, Wyo., next to her husband John Buckingham.