"Elaine was a spectacular woman and a great friend. She left her msrk?..not only did she light up the room whenever present but she helped reuse two fabulous children I feel lucky to have known her and to have spent time with her and Craig and Kris. "
In loving memory of
Elaine Bath
March 14, 1927 - February 9, 2023
Link for Live Stream: https://youtube.com/live/DLF-XMu9zfw
Elaine Vifquain Woodard Bath, 95, of Ames, Iowa (formerly of Davenport, Iowa) passed away peacefully February 9th at Bethany Life in Story City, Iowa. Cremation rites have been accorded.
A visitation service with family will be held at Collegiate Presbyterian Church, 159 Sheldon Ave., Ames, Iowa on Monday, March 13th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A memorial Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14th in the Church sanctuary. Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting with arrangements.
Born to Professor Russell and Zola Vifquain on March 14, 1927, in Ames, Iowa, Elaine was the third oldest child of four. She attended schools in Ames and graduated from Ames High School in 1945. Elaine attended the University of Iowa where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, and she graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Child Development in 1949. During college at the U of I, she met Richard (Dick) Woodard of Fort Dodge, Iowa and they were married from 1950 to 1969. The couple resided in Davenport, Iowa where they had two children, Kristine Woodard and Craig Woodard, and Elaine taught elementary education in the Davenport Public Schools.
Elaine later returned to Ames where she obtained her M.S. in Guidance and Counseling from Iowa State University in 1974. She taught First Grade at Abbie Sawyer Elementary School in Ames from 1969 to 1987. She loved teaching and was an enthusiastic supporter and advocate for the Environmental Curriculum Opportunities (ECO) program. Through her involvement in ECO, she was motivated to participate in Outward Bound, the 23 day mountain wilderness survival program that equipped teachers with a head full of ideas for bringing nature to life in the classroom. It was upon a presentation at the Kiwanis Club for Outward Bound that she met her second husband of 37 years, Professor John Bath. They enjoyed many years traveling the world together, dancing, going to ISU sports and events, music, dancing, outside activities and socializing with groups of lifelong friends. Further interests of hers were tap dancing under the direction of Betty Toman, knitting and memberships in various organizations.
In addition to interacting with young children and helping other people, she deeply loved her family and extended family, and she was especially proud of her brother Major Russell M. Vifquain Jr. for sacrificing his life for country during WW II. Elaine earned her 50-year pin from PEO, she was a lifelong member of Ames Collegiate Presbyterian Church, and the Davenport First Presbyterian Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents Russell and Zola Vifquain, brothers Russ Jr, Robert and Ned Vifquain, and husbands John Bath and Richard Woodard.
Those left to honor her memory include daughter Kristine E. Woodard (Davenport, IA); her son, Craig R. (Janis) Woodard (Belle Mead, NJ), two granddaughters, Mackenzie J. Woodard and Kelsey N. Woodard, and five nephews and three nieces.
The family would like to thank Dr. Debra Prow at McFarland Clinic, the staff of At Home Care LLC, Bethany Life, and Suncrest Home Health & Hospice for the loving and patient care given to Elaine.
Memorial contributions may be directed to: Reiman Gardens (Ames, Iowa); and the Collegiate Presbyterian Church (Ames, Iowa).
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcreamtioncare.com
Tributes
"Kris and family - I am sorry for the loss of your mother, Elaine. May she rest in peace."
"Elaine was a very close family friend and neighbor to my Scholtes family and me, Beth Ann , yery especially. She was a dynamic, charismatic and great loving person. Her family and friends meant the world to her. She was so very proud of her children and grandchildren! We will all miss her greatly and will celebrate with joyful memories the wonderful vibrant life she led and shared with us. God bless Elaine and her family. Beth Ann Scholtes Meda on March 13,2023"
"Elaine was a good friend. We enjoyed many ISU games together over the years. We enjoyed the lovely pictures of her life that you shared. She was very proud of her children, Kristine, Craig & Janis and her granddaughters. God bless the memory of Elaine Bath."
"Elaine was a beautiful woman inside and out. I absolutely love the pictures you shared. I always enjoyed her phone calls and chatting with her. "
"She was a beautiful, kind, loving person and will be remembered. She was a treasure."
"Kris much love let's get together we are all orphans now LOVE LOVE Kathleen Collins"
"If you wanted to have fun, Elaine was the person to be with. She loved football games and family reunions. She cared about everyone and was so good about helping others. Her cute social smile was always there and she appreciated the love everyone showed her. She knew how to make the day fun when you were with her. We know she is very happy in Heaven finally seeing her brother Russ Jr. and all her other relatives and friends. We love you forever and all that you did for others. Until we meet again. Love you Aunt Elaine."
"Seems like I?ve know Elaine all of my life. She was a good friend to my Mother, especially when my Mom moved back to Ames in the 70?s and a good friend to me when I returned to Ames. She did some remarkable things in her life such as going on Outward bound all by herself. "
"One of the best teachers Sawyer ever had! We are forever grateful that she taught our two sons. Kristine and Craig and the rest of the family - she lives on in our hearts and memories forever. A wonderful woman and teacher. Donna Halloum"