D. Elaine McKay, 90

D. Elaine McKay went peacefully to her rest awaiting the return of her Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) on Oct. 9, 2018.

Elaine was born at home on Aug. 19, 1928, the second of three girls and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Ella, her two sisters, Jean and Margaret, her second husband, George E. McKay, and her first husband William “Bill” L. Thomas, who was the father of her four children.

Bill and Elaine moved to Seattle in 1950. They drove their converted car/camper and spent much time in Glacier National Park, giving them both a great love of the West. They lived in Seattle till 1955 and circumstances took them back to Michigan, always hoping to return.

In 2011 Elaine did return, as far as Montana where all of her four children live.

In the years between, Elaine led a full, active life. She loved to read, swim, take pictures, do needlepoint and puzzles, play cribbage and visit her family and friends. She loved to travel and was always up for an adventure, having floated the Colorado River and rode in a sail plane. She was an avid salesperson in her career.

As life goes, Bill and Elaine were divorced. In 1987 Elaine was courted by and married George McKay. They also enjoyed travel and spent much of their time on their yacht in Florida. Elaine loved the ocean and water, living as close as she could to see it. When it came time for her Montana move she opted for mountain views to be near her children.

Elaine is survived by her four children, Gail Metzger (Chuck) of Columbia Falls, Craig Thomas of Coram, Jill Purdy (Albert) of Columbia Falls, and Brent Thomas of Columbia Falls.

She also leaves five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews and stepchildren.

Elaine never knew a stranger and her smile and caring ways will be missed by all who knew her.

There will be a memorial of her life at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, at the North Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, of which she was a member, at 269 2nd Ave. EN, Columbia Falls. A light lunch will follow.

Her wish was that any memorials be given to the Whole Living Learning Center, P.O. Box 2750, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.