Elenora Mary Duhaime

RAPID CITY - Elenora Mary Duhaime, 98-½, of Rapid City and formerly of Elk Point, died Friday, May 27, 2011, at Rapid City Regional Hospital. She is survived by her five children, JeanAnn (Robert) Gullikson, Jerry (Sandra) Duhaime, Barbara (Allan) Chisholm, Shirlee Rhead, and Connie (Merton) Tice and 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy in 1996. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother and the greatest friend anyone could ask for. She was born Sep. 7, 1912 in Armour, South Dakota to Louis and Anna (Heinrich) Ritter. She married Roy Duhaime and now has joined him in Heaven. She spent most of her life in Elk Point, South Dakota. She was the founder of the Elk Point Senior Citizens Center where she was president for many years, loved to plan the activities and play cards. There she also enjoyed her many friends. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, St. Joseph's Altar Society, and Friendship Club. She loved to make sugar cookies and knit washcloths and shawls. Her leadership, organizational skills, carpentry and flower arranging were one of a kind. She loved the color blue, shoes and always wanted to keep up to date on the latest fashion. She was a great singer, gardener and seamstress. Her wonderful voice was heard with the St. Joseph Choir and she also sang with Lawrence Welk Band. She loved talking about current events and visiting with people. During her life she lived on a farm raising her children and serving as a substitute teacher, Catechism teacher and salesperson for Watertown Monument Company. Elenora was a spirited lady, loved being with people, loved getting her hair and makeup done, and wearing jewelry. One of the most memorable times of her life was meeting President Bill Clinton in 2008 in Elk Point, and having a four-generation photo with President Clinton which included herself, her daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter. Elenora relocated to Rapid City in July of 2010 where for a period of time she was able to explore the Black Hills which included going to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, gambling and trying many new foods. There she spent a great deal of time with her great-grandchildren. She was a special type of mother who was always there to provide words of wisdom. Her Catholic faith was always important to her. Elenora struggled with deteriorating health these past few months and now she is with our Lord.