Marie “Elaine” Oldridge (Williams), 69, of rural Hiawatha, died peacefully December 22, 2005, at Mosiac Life Care in St. Joseph, MO.
Elaine was born in Highland, KS on June 10, 1956, to Sam and Leola (Peuker) Williams. She grew up and went to school in Hiawatha, graduating in 1974.
Immediately after high school, she began working at the Exchange Bank in Atchison, Kansas.
She married James Oldridge in 1975, settled in Hiawatha, and had two children: Chad (Stormi) Oldridge and Tarasa (John) Gardner; grandchildren Emerson Gardner, Lexi Gardner, Conor Oldridge and Keith Holder.
She is also survived by her mother Leola Williams; brother Tom (Connie) Williams; sister-in-law Joyce Oldridge; nephews Mike (Naviegh) Williams, David (Candi) Oldridge, Corey (Sara) Zellers; nieces Sherri Nelson, Kristi (Danny) Rodriguez, Kylie Zellers; great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father and, earlier this year, by her husband of almost 50 years. It was clear they were just not meant to be apart.
Elaine was a devoted stay-at-home mom while her children were young. When they were both in school, she went back to work. She enjoyed working, first, at the Hiawatha Public Library and then her over 20 years at the Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging. At all of her jobs, she loved both the work and her coworkers, many of whom remained close friends. She loved to help people in any way that she could.
She loved time with friends and family and always had a kind and encouraging word for loved ones and strangers alike. Probably most of all, she loved spoiling her grandchildren and supporting them in all their activities. They knew with Grandma there were no rules.
In accordance with her wishes, a private cremation has taken place.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fanning Community of Christ Church Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha, KS 66434.
Friends may sign the register book at the funeral home.
