Remembrances and Obituaries of Our Classmates
Eileen Biles(1943 - 2017)
Eileen Biles
Sept. 17, 1943 - July 6, 2017
Eileen Biles passed away far too early July 6, 2017, with her family by her side. Eileen (Eckstrom) Biles was born Sept. 17, 1943, in Tacoma, to Charles Thomas Eckstrom II and Catherine Louise (Lagen) Eckstrom. She was the second of three children—her older sister, Carolyn Ann (Eckstrom) Noring and Charles Thomas Eckstrom III.
Eileen was beautiful, dynamic, focused, dedicated and extraordinarily accomplished. Among her many talents exhibited at an early age, Eileen was: a classically trained pianist, an advanced ice skater, an accomplished synchronized swimmer, and a member of her high school debate team. Eileen's true passion, and one to which she was fully committed throughout her life, was working with animals including dogs, cattle, sheep, and especially show horses. Eileen began showing horses at age 10 and by 13 was competing in the horse arena with her future husband of nearly 45 years, Steve Biles. Recognized as an elite horsewoman from an early age, Eileen was invited by Disney to audition for the lead role in an anticipated sequel to National Velvet and was the first rider from the Pacific Northwest to compete at Madison Square Garden for the National Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, where she placed fourth. Eileen attended Marymount College in Terrytown, N.Y.—her studies included piano, math and accounting. Eileen made her debut into society in New York City in 1962.
Eileen married Steve Biles and moved to Sherwood, in 1972. The newly married couple vowed to combine their talents to raise a highly successful family and create an award-winning farm and stables. Eileen's direction and devotion to achievement helped them realize their dreams. Eileen was instrumental in leading Biles Farms & Stables to two world records, six world championships, and 35 national and international championships. Eileen's four children were her pride and joy, Richard Fitz Randolph, Debra Fitz Randolph, Charles Dunham Biles and Dr. Lagen Biles Schulte. First and foremost, Eileen was a mother devoted to helping her children reach their full potential; and to help ensure their success, she was extremely active in supporting their schools—from raising money to serving on committees.
Eileen had many additional interests and passions which she pursued enthusiastically. She was a born leader, including treasurer of the Portland Junior League, a board member of various horse and cattlemen associations, led her children's 4-H clubs, taught classes for formerly incarcerated women, contributed her talents as a treasurer to many organizations, and extensively travelled the world.
Eileen was a force of nature whose will to achieve was admired by all who knew her. She was the proof of the adage that "where there's a will, there's a way." She never met a challenge she would not only accept but would conquer.
Eileen will be greatly missed, especially by her husband, Steve Biles; her children, Fitz Randolph, Debi Randolph, Dunham Biles, Dr. Lagen Schulte; her siblings, Carolyn Noring and Charlie Eckstrom; seven grandchildren; and the 20 foreign exchange students she hosted over the years.
Private family services were held for Eileen July 13, 2017. She was buried in Pleasant View Cemetery. In recognition of devotion to her children and animals, contributions in Eileen's honor may be made to Washington County 4-H Association (which will establish a scholarship in Eileen's memory) and mailed to OSU Extension Service Washington County 4-H, 1815 N.W. 169th Place, Suite 1000, Beaverton, OR 97006, or a
charity of your choice. Eileen's family will host a celebration of her life on the afternoon of Sept. 29, 2017, at Waverly Country Club.
Please sign the online guest book at
www.oregonlive.com/obits
Published in The Oregonian from July 14 to July 16, 2017