Elaine Bartsch

E. Elaine Bartsch passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2015 in the loving arms of her children.  She is survived in death by her sister Joan, brother George,  sons Rick and Scott; daughter Debra;  grandchildren, Tom, Craig, Luke, Annie, Kedric and Destiny; as well as great-grandchildren, Cody, Layla, Natalie, Isaac and Calvin.  She was preceded in death by her husband Duane in 2013, daughter Joan Thomas in 1979, and baby Duane Jr., mother Doris Wilkins in 1999, brother Chuck in 2007, father Charles in 1948, and first husband Kedric Hannah in 1949.

Born in 1925 Elaine grew up in Ketchikan, Alaska, was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist church and went on to graduate with a Bachelors of Music from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon in 1947.  Elaine married Duane Bartsch in Ketchikan, Alaska in June, 1951, her husband of 62 years.

Elaine's life was filled with music from her earliest memories of playing "Isle of Capris" on piano at age five to becoming organist of her church as a teenager all the way through her final days. Her entire life she shared her gift, her music, with all.  As recently as her last Christmas she filled the home with love and music, playing holiday standards and hymns on a daily basis.

Elaine sang in the Oregon symphonic choir, was organist at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon and served on the local election board.  She enjoyed playing bridge, reading and all manner of home-making for her loved ones including delicious shortbread cookies and carmels.

Elaine was proud of her Alaskan heritage and enjoyed telling and retelling stories of her youth.

Elaine was a devoted wife, mother, grandma and lived a truly glorious life of faith and family.  Elaine will be sorely missed by all on earth as she joins her loving husband Duane in heaven.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.  Donations to her memory can be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church.