Elsa Gail Shonsby Tschumperlin

1934 - 2015

Elsa Gail Shonsby Tschumperlin

September 30, 1934 - August 21, 2015

Salinas

Our sweet and loving mother and grandmother, Elsa Gail Shonsby Tschumperlin, also known as Grammy, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015 in Salinas, surrounded by family.

Elsa was born Sept. 30, 1934 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to William Shonsby and Gail Adair Shonsby. She was the youngest of three children, siblings Bill Shonsby and Joanne Shonsby. The family relocated to Williston, North Dakota until Elsa reached the age of 10 before moving to Salinas, which would become her home for the rest of her life.

Elsa entered Fremont Elementary School in the fifth grade. She then went on to Salinas High School and graduated in the class of 1952. It was at Salinas High where she met Joe Tschumperlin. They were high school sweethearts and later married in 1954.

After marrying, Elsa worked at Coast Counties Title Company as a bookkeeper. Upon the birth of her first child, she became a full time homemaker raising four children. She took on part time work throughout the years working for The Emporium, The American Heart Association, and The Multiple Sclerosis Association. Elsa also volunteered her time to the PTA (receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award), Continental Little League, Camp Fire Girls, Boy Scouts, and North Salinas High School Boosters. She spent many hours at sporting events such as football, baseball, and swim meets. Her life centered around the lives' of her children. She took part in some civic activities such as trying to save Salinas' original city hall building. She also looked forward to getting together with old classmates at Salinas High reunions.

Her hobbies included reading, antique hunting, art, gardening, knitting, and babysitting four of her grandchildren full time.

Elsa was preceded in death by husband, Joseph Tschumperlin, married 57 years; daughter, Laurie Tschumperlin; brother, Bill Shonsby, and sister, Joanne Shonsby.

She is survived by daughter, Kim (Tschumperlin) Crook (Jeff) of Salinas; son, Scott Tschumperlin of Hollister; son, Mark Tschumperlin of Salinas; grandchildren, Jennifer DeMoor, Sarah DeMoor, Michael Crook, Megan Crook, McKenna Tschumperlin, Taylor Tschumperlin, Mark Boles, and great-granddaughter, Elisa Rocha.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St., Salinas, CA 93901.

Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at Struve and Laporte Chapel.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 4850, Salinas, CA 93912; Coastal Kids Home Care; the American Diabetes Association, or your favorite charity.

Our family would like to thank the hard-working nurses and staff at The Ridge for their dedication and thoughtfulness in caring for our mother and grandmother.

Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte. Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com