On June 8, 2009, Aileen Brooks passed away at the age of 89. Aileen was born on Dec 8, 1919, in Custer County, S.D. She was the daughter of Emanuel and Mary Hebert. She was raised in Hill City, S.D., near the Black Hills. There she witnessed the creation of Mount Rushmore.
After the loss of her parents, she came to the Wood River Valley with her older siblings. It was there she met the love of her life, Bill Brooks. When she first saw him through the window of the barber shop, she told her sister, "I am going to marry him one day," and she did. She became part of one of the oldest families in Hailey when she married Bill in 1940. Together they had six children.
They owned and operated the Brooks Barber Shop, Liberty Theatre and the Liberty Rock Shop, which were all located in Hailey. Early on, Aileen taught Red Cross swimming lessons at the old Hiawatha Hotel. She was an avid rock hound and panned for gold. She brought her found treasures home and made jewelry from them. Another hobby was attending swap meets. Aileen was recognized among her friends for her great sense of humor and her easygoing spirit. She always had a positive outlook and saw the best in people. She would often say, "I have a charmed life."
St. Charles Catholic Church was an integral part of her life. She was an active member of the Altar Society, helped with the famous Basque dinners and attended services regularly.
Aileen was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her six children, Becky Brooks-Brown, Betty Brooks-Foster, Jack Brooks, Mary Schramm, Alan Brooks and Billy Brooks; 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Brooks, her sisters Camilla Samples, Rita Herrington, Margaret Lerseth and her brother, Father Frank Hebert.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Hailey. A Vigil Service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, also at the church. Interment will follow in the Hailey Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Senior Connection, P.O. Box 28, Hailey, 83333 in Aileen's name.
Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel. The obituary and guest book are also available at www.woodriverchapel.com.
