Elaine was born on Sept. 21, 1917, in Alexandria, Minn., to Elmer and Neva McArdell.

She graduated from Kendall College in Evanston, Ill., where she met Vance Morrow. They were married June 6, 1939.

Elaine was always an active member of her church and community, serving in leadership roles in many organizations.

Her creativity and dedication as a Girl Scout leader inspired a number of her girls to pursue future leadership roles in Scouting. Elaine was a longstanding member of the PEO Sisterhood, celebrating her 50th anniversary in 2002. She held many offices, including president.

In 1958, she and her husband purchased their own pharmacy in Minonk, Ill. Together they built a highly respected and trusted business.

During those years, Elaine served her church as choir director. She recognized a critical need for an assisted-living residence in Minonk and worked tirelessly through unending obstacles to see the facility to completion. The dedication of Simater Home was one of her proudest moments.

In 1981, retirement brought them to Green Valley where she continued community service on the board of her homeowners’ association, PEO, and UMW. In her leisure time, she enjoyed the company of many good friends.

Elaine is survived by daughter Judith Schmidt of New Berlin, Wis.; grandson Eric (Sheri) Schmidt of Byron Center, Mich.; granddaughter Julie (Steve) Burns of St. Cloud, Minn.; great-grandchildren Emily, Jonathan and Madeline Burns, and Austin and Carli Schmidt; sister Merrilyn (Robert) Barlow of Tucson; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 63 years, Vance, and sister Bernadine (Becky) Thompson.

Elaine’s family wishes to express our sincere, heartfelt gratitude to those special hospice staff and caregivers who so lovingly cared for her during the last days of her long battle with cancer. You were truly a blessing!

A memorial service will be held at Green Valley Community Church, 300 W. Esperanza Blvd., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2006, at 11 a.m., reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Samaritan’s Purse.