Elaine McGavran

1942 - 2019

PITTSBURG-Elaine McGavran, November 28, 1942 – March 10, 2019
Elaine McGavran, 76, of Pittsburg, KS; passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019; at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Elaine was an inspiration to us all, especially during her 3 ½ year journey with cancer. Elaine was born November 28, 1942, in Pittsburg, Kansas; the daughter of Sam and Ann (Rezin) Allai. Elaine grew up in Franklin, KS where she attended grade school and graduated from Arma High School in 1960. She continued her education at Mt. Carmel School of Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1963. Elaine was united in marriage on December 28, 1963, to Earl McGavran at the Arma United Methodist Church. After marriage, Elaine and Earl set out on the journey of life. While Earl was pursuing a career as a funeral director, Elaine followed her passion for nursing. This took them through McPherson, KS; San Antonio, TX; and Kansas City. In 1969, Elaine and Earl accomplished their goal by purchasing the Hammons Funeral Home in Oswego, KS; later to be named the McGavran Funeral Home. Residing in Oswego, KS from 1969 to 1979, and raising her family, Elaine was very active in the funeral home business which included an ambulance service. During this time, she became a licensed funeral director, an EMT, and obtained a real estate license. In 1979, Elaine and Earl moved to Pittsburg, KS to further their goals and purchased the Quinn Funeral Home; later to be named the McGavran Funeral Home. After the sale of both funeral homes, Elaine returned to college, attending Pittsburg State University in 1987 and 1988 to study teaching. In 1989, Elaine followed her passion by returning to nursing at Mt. Carmel Hospital as a Registered Nurse in the Behavioral Health Department where she retired after seventeen years. In 2006, Elaine again joined her husband in business, becoming the operational manager for the McGavran Financial Group, where she remained active. A fond memory of Elaine will be her love of feeding family and friends. Elaine always had a "listening ear" and food to offer. She often was heard to say, "Let me get you something to eat" or "you have to try some of this." In honor of Elaine's love of feeding people, the family suggests memorials to The Lord's Diner in Pittsburg, KS. These may be left at the church or mailed to The Lord's Diner, 406 N Locust, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Elaine is survived by her husband, Earl, of the home; two sons, Mike (Betty) and Steve (Amy); two grandsons Jack and Max McGavran; sister Jo Ann Miller of Chandler, AZ; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Paul Miller. The family will receive friends from 10 am to 11 am, with the memorial service following at 11am on Friday, March 22, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Pine St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. As Elaine would have wanted and insisted, please stay following the service for lunch.