Elaine Louise Blaine

Elaine Louise (Ellis) Blaine, 65, of Mud Lake, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2008 at her home in the arms of her family. She was born June 21, 1943, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Melvin Purser Ellis and Irene Davies Ellis. She attended public schools in Hamer and Terreton, where she developed a love for drama and music. She was the co-composer of West Jefferson High’s school song. In her youth she yodeled, and sang on local radio and TV programs. She graduated from Utah State University in 1965, and a year later married Willis Jed Blaine in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple, on July 23, 1966. Elaine was an exemplary wife and mother, raising a WJHS Junior Miss and three Eagle Scouts, all four of which were Valedictorians of their high school classes. Besides these, she is survived by 12 grandchildren, and her husband, and two brothers, Robert and Gary as well as numerous extended family. Elaine was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings therein, most recently as Relief Society Advisor to a BYU – Idaho couples ward, and as a Temple Ordinance Worker. She taught 4th grade for 24 years, greatly influencing the lives of area youth for good. Her students remember her Idaho History pop-up books, her structured classroom, her humor, and her caring. In spite of thirty years of severe health problems, Elaine positively influenced a wide circle of people with her love of life and laughter and goodness. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 30, 2008, at the Terreton LDS Stake Center. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Stake Center and again from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the West Jefferson Cemetery, under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages Memorial Contributions to the Elaine Blaine Memorial Scholarship Fund, at either the viewing, or at the West Jefferson High School, 1260 E. 1500 N. Terreton, Idaho, 83450.