Elaine Wilthong

Elaine Wilthong 

September 20, 1935-January 30, 2025 

Glenda Elanie Wilthong graced this world with her presence for 89 remarkable years. She passed away on Thursday, January 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire others to come. 

Elaine was born on September 20, 1935, in Paragould Arkansas. She graduated from Oak Grove High School and obtained her college degrees including a Master’s and Specialist degree from Arkansas State University. Her career in teaching included elementary schools in Paragould Arkansas, Cardwell Missouri, and finally retiring from Puxico School District after a combined 44 years of being an educator. After retirement at age 80, Elaine substituted at the Mingo Job Corps Center. 

On January 1, 1955, Elaine married the love of her life James Wilthong. They were married for 67 wonderful years. She was also a loving mother to her daughter Sheryl. 

Elaine enjoyed shopping, always finding treasures for others. Elaine also enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson and Florida to visit Sheryl and Dale, as well as to Arkansas to see family. Her travels took her to many sites in the US and Europe. She also enjoyed gardening. Her two cats Socks and Millie provided her with much joy. 

Elaine was a member of the First Baptist Church of Puxico Missouri, taught Sunday School and VBS and served on Baptist building missions and served on disaster teams. She was faithfully dedicated to her Lord Jesus Christ. 

Elaine was a longtime member of Puxico VFW Auxiliary Post 7822 and help to organize the baby contest at Homecoming. She was a member of Thursday Culture Club and Gideons International. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Organization for Women Educators. She was a mentor for the Mother to Mother program. Elaine also was a mentor to many of her former students. 

Elaine is survived by her daughter Sheryl Hartzog (Dale), sister Martha Gadberry (Leon), brother Carl Weaver (Carolyn), sister-in-law Sandra Weaver, sister-in-law Linda Wilthong and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Elaine is preceded in death by husband James Wilthong, parents RH and Ina Weaver and brother Jerry Weaver. 

The family would like to extend gratitude for her caregivers at VNA Home Care, Poplar Bluff Medical Center, Puxico Nursing Center, Preferred Hospice and to a special friend and caregiver Ruthie Quick. 

Arrangements: 

The visitation will be on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 10 A.M., at the Puxico First Baptist Church in Puxico, Missouri. 

The funeral will be on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, beginning at 11 A.M., at the Puxico First Baptist Church in Puxico, Missouri. 

Interment will take place the following day, Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould, Arkansas at 1 P.M. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Puxico First Baptist Church building fund or Gideons International.