In loving memory of Ruth Elaine Small who passed away on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023 in Sun Lakes Arizona. She was 83 years old.
She was born on February 8th, in Franklin, Arizona to her parents Jason C. Whittenburg and Eleanor Ruth (Cranford) Whittenburg.
Elaine married John L. King in 1956 and was blessed with 4 children. Scott, Debbie, Donna and Greg. Elaine and John were divorced in 1977.
Later she met and married Robert C. Small from Laveen, Arizona. Bob passed in March of 2020.
She was very talented and had many hobbies, horses, cooking, baking, quilting, wood crafting and making things with yarn and plastic canvas.
She loved sharing her baked goods and crafts with others. She was happiest spending time with her family and friends.
She appreciated all of the support from her family, friends, and neighbors.
Elaine had a strong Christian faith. She attended church regularly and read her scriptures.
She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. She leaves behind many wonderful memories and will be missed by everyone that knew her.
Elaine is survived by two of her four children: Donna (Jeff) Bohlman and Greg King; grandson Brandon King; two sisters and nieces and nephews.
Services will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (800 W. Chandler Heights, Chandler, Arizona) on Thursday, July 27th at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the City of Mesa Cemetery.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) in Elaine’s name.
Bunker Family Mortuary in Mesa handled the arrangement.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Our condolences for the loss of Elaine.
Our prayers to all the family.
Will always be in the hearts of those that new her.
I sure do love Elaine! She was a kind and gentle lady. She was always kind and positive even though she had great challenges. I am better for knowing her.
We will miss our friend, Elaine. She always had a smile and was so talented. And so willing to share. Our love and sympathy to all her family!
Elaine was such a beautiful lady. I had several long chats with her (while social distancing) on her porch during Covid. She also made me such a yummy and fancy plate of Christmas treats one year. It was a joy to know her and she always kept smiling despite all her health struggles. Sending lots of love to her family ❤️
She was a miracle, so strong and proud Elaine was. We are very thankful that we had her in our lives as long as we did and our memories of her will never die, She is now at peace and with many other loved ones, amen
We are proud to have known Elaine and grateful to have shared cherished memories with her. May she rest in peace. We will remember her fondly always.
Elaine was a wonderful woman!!
I remember spending time with her at events and even a special lunch together with her and Donna.
We feel so blessed to have known Elaine. I always enjoyed hearing fun memories about her from Donna and was amazed by her faith, hard work, generosity, creativity and sharp wit. She had a love for games (I share her competitiveness) – even making her own, which was so impressive.
She will be missed but I look forward to continuing her legacy through Donna and Jeff.
Sammy, Adam, Joanna and Zélie Parker
Elaine, my friend; forever in my heart. I miss you.
She was beautiful for the way she thought.
She was beautiful for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved.
She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile, even if she was sad.
No, she wasn’t beautiful for something as temporary as her looks.
She was beautiful deep down to her soul.
Forever in our hearts…we miss you dearly!