Elaine Jeanette Stansberry, 91, died peacefully on Feb. 25, 2023, in Hospice Care at The Klein Center in West Burlington, following a stroke.
Elaine was born Aug. 8, 1931, to Alma (Lawson) and Charles Amile Merringer in Ottumwa, Iowa. She was a member of "The Class of 1949" Ottumwa High Bulldogs.
She married Rex Stansberry on Oct. 23, 1948, in Lancaster, Mo. They had three daughters and one son, Connie Dianne, Karen Sue, Nancy Jo, and Randy Lee. They divorced in 1973.
Elaine entered the workforce at Younkers Dept. Store in Ottumwa, Iowa in 1963 where she continued to work until 1985. She transferred to Younkers in Burlington after the closing of the Ottumwa store. Elaine continued to work at the Younkers store until she retired at age 72.
While working and raising four children, she had a large garden and preserved the vegetables that she grew. She was an excellent seamstress and sewed most of her daughters' clothes. She also made drapes and curtains for the home. Her work ethic was passed on to her children.
In her "spare time," she played bridge and attended "24 Club" which was a group of ladies in the small farming community of Hedrick and Farson, Iowa who gathered monthly for coffee and conversation.
Elaine was a faithful and active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Burlington where she was known for her homemade pies. She attended Bible Study and helped with children's ministries. She was a member of a Christian women's chorus that performed for various nursing homes.
In her later years, she was a voracious reader of Beverly Lewis novels about the Amish. She said the stories reminded her of the era of her childhood. At the Klein Center, she attended and enjoyed all the activities available for the residents.
Elaine was blessed with 10 grandchildren and delighted in her 24 great-grandchildren. Elaine especially loved babies and delighted in holding them.
Elaine is survived by her sister, Beverly Teasdale; daughters, Connie (Bob) Ehlers and Nancy (Bob) Huppenbauer; son, Randy (Becky) Stansberry, and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, sister, Marguerite Merringer, brother-in-law, Dick Teasdale, brother and sister-in-law, Irvin (Buzz) and Ruby Merringer, and daughter, Karen Haxton.
Family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The Celebration of Life for Elaine will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the service. Private family burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Sunshine Club at the Klein Center, 1307 S. Gear Ave. West Burlington, Iowa.