She was raised in the Church of God and so developed her incredible singing ability. Elaine and her siblings could perform in a manner that would give you the impression they were a professional group, and almost obtained the backing of a sponsor. Her love for music and church led her to a young man by the name of Robert Kauffman; one could say it was love at first sight. Despite a brief separation in effort to discourage the union, Elaine completed her high school education, graduating from a high school in Oklahoma – only to return and rejoin her beloved Robert and soon they were united in marriage on August 10, 1959.
A short while after they were wed, Bob and Elaine welcomed their first daughter. Two more daughters followed. After their family was seemingly complete, however, Elaine decided she wanted more children, so the couple began to foster youth and perhaps they were the home for at the very least 75 or so children, one of whom they adopted to call their own. Their family was always full of positivity and cherished memories of fishing trips to Santa Fe Lake, where Elaine could catch her favorite little perch and other fish. She also enjoyed trips to the Senior Center in Chanute for bingo, card games, dinners and many other activities as well as to any casino she could find herself a penny slot machine. Sometimes she would tell Bob, “Just go on and come back and get me, I’m not ready to go yet.”
Elaine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and even went so far as to become a great-great-grandmother. Her legacy of love and devotion to her family and especially her grandchildren set a foundation that will never be forgotten.
Elaine leaves behind her husband Robert of the home
A son, Russell Kauffman of Chanute
Five grandchildren
Fourteen great-grandchildren
One great-great-grandchild
A son-in-law, Bill Ammons
And several nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by
Her parents, Fred and Mary
Her daughters:
Debra Schultz
Lorie Ammons
Crystal Kauffman
Her brother, Larry Roberts
And sister, Karen Crumbliss
Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 5-7pm at Countryside Funeral Home – 101 N. Highland in Chanute, Kansas.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Countryside Funeral Home – 101 N. Highland in Chanute, Kansas. Cremation will follow at request of the family.
Memorial donations in Elaine’s honor have been suggested to the Chanute Senior Citizen Center and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.