Eileen Elisabeth Masters, 88, of Minot, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, of natural causes, surrounded by a lifetime of love and memories that will carry on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born on July 7, 1937, in Stranraer, Scotland, to Basil and Isabella (McCready) Tyson, Eileen came into the world during uncertain times. Her early childhood unfolded against the backdrop of World War II, an experience that shaped her resilience and her instinct to care for others. At just 16, she left Scotland for England, where she completed nursing school and began working as a nursery nurse. Even then, Eileen's character shone through. She volunteered to care for children with disabilities who were often overlooked by other nurses, giving her time and heart to the kids who needed it most.

It was during her nursing years that she met Ernie LeBlanc, a member of the US Air Force stationed at Lakenheath Base in Suffolk County, England. The two married, and for the next six years they lived back and forth between the US and England before settling stateside for good. In 1973, Ernie was stationed at Minot AFB, where they raised four beautiful children. After 27 years of marriage, Eileen and Ernie divorced. Although they each moved onto new pastures, Eileen and Ernie remained friends and continued to spend holidays together with family and friends throughout the rest of their lives.

Life had more in store for Eileen. She met George Masters in 1997, and they married on June 25, 1999. George, a retired Master Sergeant in the US Air Force, was working in the Civil Engineering squadron at Minot Air Force Base. Through their marriage, Eileen gained another daughter, and a whole new chapter of life that included a new passion: classic cars. George shared his love of cars with Eileen, and she ran with it. They bought into an auction business in 2013, took sole ownership in 2016, and operated it until 2021. The classic car auctions in Minot and Devils Lake became annual pinnacle events, drawing car enthusiasts from all over. She was a lifetime member of the Dakota Cruiser Car Club, proudly serving as first lady to President George throughout their marriage, and she owned several muscle cars herself over the years.—(Just ask George!)

Eileen's professional life was just as full. She worked for the Army Air Force Exchange Services for around 17 years, starting as a vendor and working her way up to Manager of Military Clothing. She also dealt blackjack at the Lucky Strike, where she met and befriended more people than anyone could count.

And then there was tennis. Eileen taught herself to play at age 37 with a broken racket, which honestly tells you everything you need to know about her. She became a North Dakota state champion and competed into her 40s, though she kept playing long after that. Officers from the base would challenge her on the court, and she beat them every single time. She followed professional tennis until the very end and was a huge fan of Rafael Nadal.

Eileen was funny, a natural practical joker who could light up any room. She learned to knit in school in England, and in her later years she knitted hundreds of baby sweaters, giving each one away to family and friends. She loved nothing more than seeing pictures of those babies wearing her handiwork. She took care of people, she fed people, and everyone was always welcome at her house. That was the thread running through everything she did, from nursing to knitting to dealing cards to running auctions. She made people feel like they belonged.

Eileen is survived by her husband, George Masters; her sons, Paul LeBlanc (Concepta) and John LeBlanc; her daughters, Debra Davis, Melissa Cowan and Danielle Masters; her grandchildren, Michael Stamate, Sarah Hunter, Dylan LeBlanc, Nico Washington, Cooper (Taij) Davis, Luc LeBlanc, Jaxson Cowan, Grayson Cowan, and Isabelle LeBlanc; and the many great grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends who were lucky enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Basil and Isabella Tyson, and her brothers, Basil Tyson and Neil Tyson, and her first husband, Ernie LeBlanc.

Eileen never forgot her Scottish heritage, and the Scottish flag (St. Andrew’s Cross) was proudly displayed outside her house. Her faith was a quiet and steady presence throughout her life, and we trust she is now at peace in the Lord's care.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service or to share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Veterans Section of Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND

Visitation: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home followed by a Vigil Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials are preferred to Dakota Cruisers Scholarship Fund.