Elaine S. Larimer

Elaine S. Larimer of Western Reserve Masonic Community, Medina Ohio passed away peacefully with family at home on December 30, 2025. (She formerly lived at Browning Masonic Community, Waterville Ohio 2002 until February 2025.) She was born on January 19, 1924 to Herman and Myrtle Schmidt of Hinckley, Minnesota. Her parents, husband Leonard, brother Lester Schmidt and daughter, Jean French preceded her in death. Elaine and her husband lived in seven states: Minnesota, Maryland, Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, Kansas and Florida. This involved 13 moves. She always looked forward to new homes and making new friends. After many Cargill company moves, they retired to Ft Myers, Florida. She found her forte in the game of golf and holds the record of 5 holes in one at the DelTura Country Club. She also had a hole in one at Ft. Myers Golf and Yacht Club. Elaine was active in the DelTura Ladies Golf Association. She was the tournament chairperson for weekly games for 250 members. This also included major club tournaments. She enjoyed playing in many ProAm tournaments around southwest Florida. Elaine and Len traveled the U.S. and visited most of the civil war battlefields. Sewing for her daughters, knitting and counted cross stich were her hobbies. Elaine and Len enjoyed antiquing and refinishing their finds. While living in Lenexa, Kansas she was a docent at the 1858 John Wornale Home for 5 years. This was a hospital for both the Union and Confederacy. She especially enjoyed the school children tours. She was a Past President of Waterville Elementary Mothers Club. In her year as President, the “Best of Waterville” cookbook was published and the first rummage sale was held. She is a past member of the Profit and Pleasure Club of Waterville and a current member of the Waterville Historical Society. She was a member of Waterville United Methodist Church where she enjoyed years of caring for alter vestments. Her biggest accomplishment was researching both she and her husband’s families back to the 1700’s. They were from Ireland, Germany and Sweden. All 50 pages were printed and sent to 30 relatives. This project took many years and patience. During her residency at Browning Masonic Community, she chaired the “Top Hat Knitters”. There were 4 members and each year they knitted warm hats for many Metropolitan charities. Over the years hats were donated, usually 250-300 per year. Elaine loved her family and enjoyed many meaningful memories of them. She was a people person and a friend to all. Bitsy, her little dog was a joy for many years. She is survived by her loving daughter Julie (Allen) Rose, Grandchildren Jason (Brandy) French, Joseph (Katie) French, Andy (Kate) Colburn, Alyssa (David) Swanson, Great Grandchildren Avery, Owen, Ethan and Lillian French, Charlie and Everett French, Willow, and Wesley Colburn and Lennyn Swanson. A Celebration of Life will be held at Browning Masonic Community, Waterville on April 4, 2026. 10:30-11:30 Visitation, 11:30 Celebration of Life with a lunch after. Interment at Highland Memorial Gardens, Waterville. Memorials should be made to Waterville United Methodist Church, 7115 Waterville Monclova Rd., Waterville Ohio 43566 or Waterville Historical Society 401 Farmsworth Rd., Waterville Ohio 43566.