Elaine Small

SHERIDAN, Wyo. - Elaine Small, 89, of Story, Wyo., passed away on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at Sheridan Manor in Sheridan.

Elaine Margaret Mattson was born March 13, 1928, in Bruce Crossing, Mich., to parents Albert and Sophia (Niskanen) Mattson.

Elaine graduated from Ewen High School in Ewen, Mich., in 1946. She married Clement Robert Small on June 30, 1951. They made their home in Libertyville, Ill., and raised two children, Steven and Sally. The family moved to Livonia, Mich., in 1969, when Clement accepted a job transfer and resided there until he retired in 1986. They returned to Elaine's hometown of Bruce Crossing, purchasing and renovating Elaine's childhood home. The couple moved to Clear Lake, Wis., in 1999 to be closer to Sally and their two grandchildren. After Clement passed away in 2006, Elaine moved to Story in 2007 to live with her son, Steven.

Elaine was a member of the Grace Chapel Church in Story, the Story Woman's Club and a lifetime member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary. She enjoyed painting, sewing, baking, playing cards, pet sitting and spending time with friends and family. Earlier in her life, she enjoyed being a Cub Scout Den Mother, PTA member and Women's Fellowship group member. She especially enjoyed reading and appreciated the services of the Story Library. She also enjoyed her friendship with the Story "Senior Lunch Crew." All who knew her will remember her outgoing personality, knowing smile, quick wit and the pride and determination (Sisu) of her Finnish heritage.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Lyla Kamariainen, and brothers, Leo, Harry, Lawrence and Reino. She is survived by her son, Steve Small, of Story, daughter, Sally (Earl) Langlois, of Clayton, Wis., grandchildren, Patrick Langlois and Nyssa Langlois, sisters-in-law Marilyn (Leo) Mattson, Rose (Harry) Mattson, Sandy (Reino) Mattson, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

A family graveside remembrance service will be held in 2018, followed by internment in Hillside Cemetery in Bruce Crossing, next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made in memory of Elaine to Grace Chapel in Story, Story Woman's Club, Story Library, or The Hub on Smith (former Sheridan Senior Center) in Sheridan.

Online condolences may be written at kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.