Elaine Mae (Schmidt) Stahl was born in George, Iowa on July 31, 1936 to parents Weert and Berndean Schmidt. She was later joined by a sister, Ardis. When Elaine was nine years old, she and her family moved to a farm in Castlewood, South Dakota. Elaine attended school there, graduating in 1954. During her high school years, she enjoyed singing in a trio with two other girlfriends, singing in competitions around the area.

On September 8, 1955 Elaine married Don Stahl. They had known each other since childhood, having grown up on neighboring farms. Together their family includes three daughters, Cindra, Jill and Shelly, and two grandchildren, Tyler and Jordyn.

Don fell in love with Colorado, having spent time at Fort Carson, Colorado during his military service. In 1964, Elaine and Don made a significant change in their lives and moved to Colorado.

Once all three daughters were in school, Elaine began her career, first working at JC Penney then at the local elementary school library. When the girls were older, Elaine changed jobs and became an administrative assistant for the Federal Government, first for the Bureau of Mines and then for the Federal Highway Department where she retired. Elaine enjoyed her work and was proud of her accomplishments there.

Elaine and Don loved to bowl and were on a bowling league with their church for many years. Elaine's family always joked that Elaine was the lucky one of the bunch. She enjoyed playing bingo because she "always won"!

Elaine and Don moved to Oregon City, Oregon in their retirement. For many years, they lived the life of snowbirds spending winters in Casa Grande, AZ. They enjoyed many family vacations, including cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal, and a trip to Korea.

Over the past few years, Elaine suffered from dementia. She will best be remembered for her love of cookies and ice cream and her walks around the memory care wing at The Springs where she lived.

Grateful for having shared her life is one sister and brother-in-law, Ardis and Erwin Rindels of Castlewood, SD, a sister-in-law, Janice Schiernbeck of Castlewood, SD, a sister-in-law Ruth Stahl of Zumbrota, MN, three daughters, Cindra Stahl (Mike Davenport) of Whitefish, MT, Jill Gilbert (Mike Gilbert) of Ridgefield, WA and Shelly Stahl-Linenberger (Mike Linenberger) of Wilsonville, OR, and two grandchildren Tyler Johnson and Jordyn Linenberger both of Denver, CO.

Elaine's family will be making a donation to The Springs of Wilsonville in honor of both Elaine and Don. If you wish to contribute, please send to Jill Gilbert, P.O. Box 5438, Vancouver, WA 98668.