E. Elaine Turpin, 65, of Galesburg, died unexpectedly, Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Genesis Medical Center Emergency Room, Aledo, Illinois.
Elaine was born October 15, 1956 in Vinton, Iowa, the daughter of John Henry and Ruth Ione (Bonesteel) Olson. Elaine graduated from Washington High School in Vinton, IA in 1975 and later from Hawkeye Technical School.
Elaine married Richard Lyle Turpin, Jr. on August 2, 1980 in Vinton, Iowa. Their 41 years of marriage brought two sons, John (Michelle) Turpin of Galesburg and Zachary Turpin of Clinton, Iowa; one daughter, Kimberly Pitcher of Quincy, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Cloe Smith, Blaze Smith, Skylar Turpin, Chad Turpin, Elianna Pitcher, Katherine Pitcher, Jaxton Turpin, and Abigail Pitcher; and one great granddaughter, Nova. Along with her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by three sisters, Wanda Dalton, twin sisters, Sharon and Shirley Olson; and one brother, Donald Olson.
Elaine worked at Wal-Mart from 1987 until 2011 when she went to work at Western Illinois Home Health, where she was currently working. Elaine had a giving spirit and serving others brought her fulfillment. She was an active member of Calvary Assembly Church where she volunteered in the nursery ministry for many years as well as the Ability Project. She had a big heart for helping with special needs groups, volunteering with the Special Olympics and A Night to Shine Dance. Elaine loved traveling including cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Elaine’s greatest joy in life was her family, from cheering on her children when they were younger and now her grandchildren. Elaine’s proud voice could always be heard. She loved cooking and being surrounded by her family as well as making crafts she donated to many different organizations in the community.
Private family viewing services were held. Cremation has been accorded. A memorial visitation will be Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with a short prayer service at 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to the family or Western Illinois Special Olympics. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
