Obituary of Elaine Maxine Finders

Elaine Maxine Finders, 79, passed peacefully at her home following a valiant, three year battle against progressive breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family the entire week preceding her death, listening to her favorite sounds; the laughter and love exuded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Elaine was raised a hard working farm girl. By age six, she assumed primary caregiver responsibilities of numerous siblings as her parents worked tirelessly to provide basic essentials. During this epoch in life, she grew to appreciate the importance of family values and passed them on during the development of her own family. Elaine also matured her primary passion in life; the art of ballet and tap dance. Elaine married her soul mate in life, Donald Finders, in 1956 and relocated to Southern California. During this residency, they adopted two children; Tami and Shane. Inspired to find a better place to raise their new formed family, they relocated to LHC in 1968, and remained until her passing. She held a myriad of positions within the local medical service community, providing much needed care for town residents. She furthered her passion for dance through countless hours of instruction to local youths and personally performed in varied dance/musical performances. She was an accomplished trapshooting expert, garnering the 1979 LHC Sportsman Club "woman's scratch" season honors. Elaine was a devout family matriarch, raising her two children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with another expected this month. She always made certain her entire family was fed, loved, mentored and cared for, no matter time of day or circumstance. Elaine epitomized selflessness. She was preceded in passing by her husband, Don; mother, Pansy Kirkpatrick; father, Raymond Barnes, and sisters Karen Godfrey and Jeannette Thompson. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com.