Obituary

Elaine's Memorial Folder

What do you say about Elaine? She was someone who always put others' well-being and happiness before her own; who kept her family close and shared special memories with each of them; who loved taking care of others, especially children; who didn't judge others; whose door was always open and table always had room for a few more friends. Elaine's life was centered around her family and friends, and we will miss her each and every day. She was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 28, 2020, at the age of 86.

Elaine (Peck) Molitor was born March 29, 1934, in Baker, Montana, to Emmett and Martha Peck. She attended school in Belle Fourche and later moved to Hot Springs, where she worked until she met and married Vernon Molitor June 21, 1952. She and Vernon moved to their ranch north of Smithwick, where they worked side by side until Vernon's death in 1976. Elaine loved the ranch and remained there and helped her sons on the ranch until she moved to Hot Springs in 1991. Elaine operated a daycare in her home for over 10 years, and all of us referred to her daycare children as "Grandma's kids." There have been quite a few children besides her own grandchildren who called her Grandma Elaine. She moved to Pine Hills Retirement Community in July of 2018 and lived there until her death.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; her son, Roger; her sister, Mary Jane Peck; a brother, Vearl Peck, and a brother, Harvey Peck.

Survivors include her son, Dale (Chris) Molitor; son Leon (Margie) Molitor; brother Dennett (Deanna) Peck; sister-in-law Joyce Peck; six grandchildren: Todd Molitor, Lyle (Chrissy) Molitor, Mike (Heidi) Molitor, Mikenzi (Josh) Petersen, Nathan Molitor, and Megan Molitor; ten great-grandchildren, and many friends.

Elaine was an inspiration to and a positive influence on many of us. We won't look at a rainbow or the colors of turning leaves or a glorious sunrise or sunset without saying, "Grandma would have loved that." But we believe that she will still enjoy those things, just not here on earth.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2020, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD. Please practice social distancing protocols.

Graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 7 ^, 2020, at Fairview Cemetery near Oral, where Elaine will be laid to rest beside Vernon. Please practice social distancing protocols.

In light of her love of children, a memorial has been established to the Backpack Program coordinated through Feeding South Dakota, to benefit area youth. Memorials may be sent to c/o Backpack Program at Bank of the West in Hot Springs, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home

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