Elaine Danforth

Elaine Ellen Danforth was born on May 20th, 1918, in Wymore, Nebraska - the first child of Chester and Rosella (Biedermann) Clark. She passed away on September 11th, 2006 at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital, at the age of 88, following a long and full life. Elaine was raised in Wymore, where her father owned a jewelry business, and following her graduation from Wymore High School she worked as a telephone operator in the days before automated phone service. Elaine was united in marriage to Fred C. Danforth - also of Wymore - on December 11th, 1945, following WWII. Soon thereafter they moved to Shenandoah, where Fred had joined Central Surveys, Inc. Fred and Elaine made Shenandoah their home for the rest of their lives. Elaine's interests and activities were many and varied: family, church, genealogy, community, and collecting. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren, who benefited from and were encouraged by her love and attention. She was generous to family and friends, and she tirelessly transported and assisted many people in need. She also loved and supported St. John's Episcopal Church, where she was a longtime member. Over the years, she was also a member of t...[more]

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Eastern Star, the White Shrine, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Mayflower Society, the Red Cross, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Elaine's dedication to her community included her active involvement in the Shenandoah Cemetery Board, the Shenandoah Hospital Auxiliary, the Greater Shenandoah Historical Society, and the Elm Heights Care Review Board. As a triple cancer survivor herself, she had a special bond with the "Reach for Recovery" effort of the American Cancer Society. Elaine had a lifelong interest in family genealogy and was very proud of the fact that she had traced her lineage to the Mayflower colonists. For many years she was Iowa State Historian for the Mayflower Society. As such, she responded to many requests for genealogical information from all over the country. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Rosella Clark, her husband Fred, and her brother Russell Clark. She is survived by her children and their families: Lawrence and Sarah Danforth of Herndon, Virginia; William and Laura Danforth of Shenandoah; and Joe and Janet (Danforth) Bacon of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her sister, Florence Clark of Lincoln, Nebraska; granddaughters Betsy Danforth of Tampa, Florida and Megan Danforth of Iowa City; as well as many other family members and friends also survive her. Although Elaine always said that she hated cooking, she was an excellent cook. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and she was an avid collector of many things. Elaine had no problem stating her frank opinion on issues, and she loved keeping track of all activities involving family, friends and community. For those who knew Elaine, we believe that you would agree that she would also want to keep a copy of this account -- if only she could. We will all miss and forever love Elaine Danforth. Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 16, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Shenandoah. Celebrant was Rev. Tim Vann. Michael Carey read a special poem. Organist was Mary Beth Gowing. Attending the memory register was Millie Goodrich. Casket bearers were Michael Carey, Bob Longman, Gary Bowman, Gary Stribling, Gregg Connell and Joel Braymen. Usher was Ed Martin. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials are being directed to St. John's Episcopal Church or to the American Cancer Society. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.