Elaine Wilthong

1935 - 2025

Glenda Elanie Wilthong graced this world with her presence for 89 remarkable years. She passed away on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire others to come.

Elaine was born on Sept. 20, 1935, in Paragould. She graduated from Oak Grove High School and obtained her college degrees, including a Master's and Specialist degree, from Arkansas State University. Her career in teaching included elementary schools in Paragould, Cardwell, and finally retiring from Puxico School District after a combined 44 years of being an educator. After retirement at age 80, Elaine substituted at the Mingo Job Corps Center.

On Jan. 1, 1955, Elaine married the love of her life, James Wilthong. They were married for 67 wonderful years. She was also a loving mother to her daughter, Sheryl.

Elaine enjoyed shopping, always finding treasures for others. Elaine also enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, and Florida to visit Sheryl and Dale, as well as to Arkansas to see family. Her travels took her to many sites in the U.S. and Europe. She also enjoyed gardening. Her two cats Socks and Millie provided her with much joy.

Elaine was a member of the First Baptist Church of Puxico, Mo., where she taught Sunday School and VBS and served on Baptist building missions and on disaster teams. She was faithfully dedicated to her Lord Jesus Christ.

Elaine was a longtime member of Puxico VFW Auxiliary Post 7822 and help to organize the baby contest at homecoming. She was a member of Thursday Culture Club and Gideons International. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Organization for Women Educators. She was a mentor for the Mother to Mother program. Elaine also was a mentor to many of her former students.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Sheryl Hartzog (Dale), sister Martha Gadberry (Leon), brother Carl Weaver (Carolyn), sister-in-law Sandra Weaver, sister-in-law Linda Wilthong and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elaine is preceded in death by husband, James Wilthong, parents R.H. and Ina Weaver and brother Jerry Weaver.

The family would like to extend gratitude for her caregivers at VNA Home Care, Poplar Bluff Medical Center, Puxico Nursing Center, Preferred Hospice and to a special friend and caregiver Ruthie Quick.

Services are today, Feb. 4, at Puxico First Baptist Church in Puxico, Mo. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m.

Interment will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m. at Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Puxico First Baptist Church building fund or Gideons International.