Laurel “Elaine” Straw, 98, of Galesburg, died at 12:16 a.m. Sunday, March 6, 2022, in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
She was born July 22, 1923, in Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Earle Wellesley and Daisy Laura (Patterson) Watson. She married Bert Edward Straw on November 3, 1943, in Victoria, Texas. He preceded her in death on January 22, 1993, after 49 years of marriage.
She is survived by five children, Bill (Elizabeth) Straw of Osprey, Florida, Bonnie (Mark) Cannan of San Antonio, Texas, Susanne Green of Waco, Texas, Robert (Michelle) Straw of Auburn, Alabama, and Lisa (G.S.) Bond of Galesburg; nine grandchildren, Emily, Jenny, Marissa, Dale, Christy, Tyler, Patrick, Aubrey, and Autumn; six great grandchildren, Molly, Seth, McKayla, Kamryn, Carter, and Kelsey; a sister, Helen Hyde of New Bern, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Robert Bronson Straw; and a sister, Doris Leftwich.
Elaine was raised in New York, where she graduated from high school. Throughout her marriage and raising her family, she lived many years in California before moving to Galesburg in 1998. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Galesburg and Chapter W PEO. She was an avid Bridge, Bunco, and Yahtzee player. Elaine was an accomplished seamstress and floral designer. She won many awards for her floral designs and was a highly respected national judge for the National Judge’s Council judging flower shows across the country. Elaine especially loved spending time with her family and friends.
Cremation will be accorded. Her remains will be buried with her husband at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California, in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Elaine’s name may be made to First United Methodist Church or Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be made to the family through the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
