Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, Elaine Maxine Huffstodt went to be with the Lord on October 21, 2017. Elaine was a woman of great faith which sustained her throughout life. She passed away peacefully in Mount Vernon, WA, surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born on October 26,1928 in Randolph, Nebraska to Fred and Irene Thies. She was raised on a farm, along with her four brothers, and attended school in Belden, graduating from Belden High School in 1946. She received a teaching certificate from Wayne State College in Nebraska and taught in a one-room country school for several years. She loved to tell stories about her teaching experiences.

In 1952 Elaine traveled to Mount Vernon to sing for her cousin's wedding. Enamored of the beautiful scenery, she extended her visit. Shortly thereafter, she met Howard Huffstodt, a Morse telegrapher who worked at the local Great Northern Railroad depot. In fact, train travel was to become a bonding experience throughout their married years. Elaine and Howard married on September 25, 1953, and were blessed with five children. In their 64 years together, family and friends brought an abundance of blessings. Elaine was central to that connection. There were years of family dinners and activities, support and presence, joy in every detail by Elaine. In 1984 they began the snowbird life of wintering in Arizona, and continued to forge friendships there for 25 years. Each spring Elaine staged her own "tulip festival" for her Arizona friends.

Elaine was known for many things over her lifetime: as the girl at the drug store soda fountain who made legendary malts, for her lovely smile and "gift of gab." For her chocolate chip cookies and pies. Elaine had a beautiful singing voice and sang in the choir, and as soloist, at Immaculate Conception Church, where she was a member for 65 years. She was a master seamstress who created everything from Halloween costumes to Barbie clothes, prom dresses to business suits. Her flannel throws are treasured by everyone in the family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Richard and Dale. She is survived by her husband, Howard Huffstodt, daughters Marilyn Hambelton (Dave), Nancy Kingshott (Tom), Dianne Langdon (Marc), Norma Oliason (Stu), and son Ron Huffstodt. Elaine is survived by ten cherished grandchildren (spouses) and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Don Thies (Ann Marie) and Larry Thies (Nancy), and dear nieces and nephews.

A viewing vigil will be held Thursday October 26 from 7:00-8:00 pm at Hawthorne Funeral Chapel. The Funeral Mass is at 10:30 am on Friday October 27, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mount Vernon, to be immediately followed by a reception at Park Village Community Clubhouse, 2725 E Fir St, Mount Vernon. A graveside service will follow reception at Hawthorne Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Elaine's name to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Choir Loft Fund, Please share your thoughts of Elaine and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.