Eula Bilyeu Fischer, age 99, of Tuscumbia, passed away on Friday, January 18, 2013, at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center in Tuscumbia. She was born near Iberia on September 4, 1913, daughter of the late Clyde and LouAddie (Keeth) Bilyeu. On June 12, 1932, in Iberia, Eula married Ercil Bryce Fischer, who preceded her in death on March 6, 1997.

Eula loved learning. She was the firstborn child of two school teachers. From childhood, she was an excellent student. She received a full scholarship to the famous Iberia Academy, with its high academic standards. She graduated from the Academy, Magna cum Laude, and went on to a lifetime of educational pursuits.

Eula spent 38 years as a teacher in Miller County school districts. She taught at Pisgah School, Wilson School, Bear School, Tuscumbia Elementary School, and St. Elizabeth Elementary School. She is fondly remembered by many as "the best teacher I ever had!"

While teaching, Eula pursued her higher education at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, and eventually received her Bachelor's degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

Eula spent many years in local politics, serving on the Miller County Republican Central Committee and supporting many successful candidates. She also enjoyed volunteering for the Miller County Historical Society and its museum in Tuscumbia.

Eula married Bryce Fischer, a successful farmer in Miller County, in 1932, at the height of the Great Depression. She lived the rest of her life on the Fischer farm near Tuscumbia. She was a member of the Iberia Church of Christ.

She is survived by one son, Roger Fischer of Tuscumbia; one daughter, Karen Fischer Fagan of Riverside, California; four grandchildren, Neil Fischer of Eldon, Steve Fischer of Lee's Summit, John Fischer of Issaquah, Washington, and Jamie Patterson of Tuscumbia; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Cleeta Kite of Kansas City and Fay Dingeldein of Paris, Illinois; and one step-brother, Maurice Mace of Iberia.

She was also preceded in death by one brother, Norman Bilyeu and one sister, Nina Ewen.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at Iberia Church of Christ. Bro. Bernie Crum will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery near Tuscumbia.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Iberia Church of Christ.