Lela Edna Elwood

Mom was born in Powell to Leo and Clara Webber on September 23, 1933. She had two older sisters, Betty and Shirley, and a younger brother, Bob. Mom was raised in Powell and attended Powell schools.

In October of 1950 she married Lynn Elwood, and together they raised my two brothers, Gary and Ron, and me, Sheri. Dad was the love of her life and they had nearly 74 years as partners in life and business. Also, they were two of the founding members of the First Southern Baptist Church in Powell. The Lord Jesus Christ remained a very important part of Mom’s life, and she loved hearing the word of God on Sunday mornings.

Mom and Dad were successful business partners and provided a good life for their family. Most important to Mom was being a loving and supportive mother. She started us in swim lessons at a young age and then cheered us on as competitive swimmers throughout our school years. Football and basketball were added to the schedule with the same enthusiasm. Many miles were covered attending sporting events and showing her support.

In her personal time, Mom explored her creativity through sewing, crocheting, knitting and card making. She shared her love of crafting with me, and we spent many hours as adults gathering supplies and trying new things. Also, she was especially close with her brother, Bob, and his wife Dolores. They raised their families together and loved sharing time in retirement.

Throughout life Mom was timid in learning new activities, but she never wanted to be left at home. The family took up snow skiing at Sleeping Giant. Once we were grown, Mom and Dad began snow machining with friends. For summer entertainment, they bought a plane and enjoyed flying throughout the region. Later in life they transitioned to touring on a Honda Goldwing. This was Mom’s favorite activity. With a trailer in tow, they traveled the Rocky Mountain area with friends. Their longest trip was north through Canada and into Alaska, then returning down the Canadian coast into Washington.

A wonderful milestone in Mom’s life was the addition of grandkids: Heather and Brien in Sheridan and Matt, Kristen, Lindsay and Cooper in Powell. No matter the activity or sport, she loved spending time with them and was so proud of each one. All too soon, they grew up, left for college or the military, and then married. Mom was thrilled when great-grandchildren were added to the family: Erik, Kaitlynn, Jack, Harper, Grayson, Violet, Ellie and Timber. Though they live in six different states, Mom was able to spend time with each of them.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lynn, three siblings and her oldest son, Gary. She is survived by her son Ron, daughter Sheri, daughter-in-law Becky, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Dolores Webber, nieces and nephews.