Helen Elaine Sanders, commonly known as “Elaine” or “Laine,” passed away peacefully in the care of family, surrounded by loving thoughts and prayers at her home in Deer Park, Washington, on September 8, 2024, at the age of 90. She was born to Helen and Oscar Ingalls on July 21, 1934, in Spokane, Washington.
Elaine was a devoted, loving, caring, empathetic, compassionate, appreciative, and hardworking woman with a great sense of humor. Above all else, she lovingly cherished time spent with family and friends. Elaine had a kind and generous heart and greeted those she knew and those she chanced to meet along the way with her warm and radiant smile.
Elaine’s deep and enduring faith enriched her happiest moments. It was foundational to her strength and perseverance in moving through her life’s greatest challenges. She spoke of her belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. In her writings, Elaine described her good, quiet relationship with God. She penned that among her most important life lessons were believing in and talking to God, praying when you feel like it, and fully accepting what you cannot change. Elaine lived a life of love and grace. She respectfully listened to others with acceptance and without judgement. She was genuine in her expressions of kindness, thoughtfulness, human decency, and gratitude.
Elaine had fond memories of her early years, enjoying time with family, including her mom, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. In her youth, her favorite activities included playing with dolls, swimming, roller skating, tennis, dancing, and choir.
Elaine attended school in Spokane, except for part of her fourth grade in Pleasanton, California, and graduated from Rogers High School in 1952. Upon graduating, she married Mark Hamilton Sanders. They had four children, sons, Scott and Shane, and daughters, Julie and Robin. During their years together, Elaine, Mark, and their kids lived in the Washington towns of Spokane, Moses Lake, and Renton. Aside from short periods in other towns, Elaine lived much of her life in Spokane, and the last 22 years in Deer Park.
In her adult years, Elaine’s favorite pastimes included homemaking, cooking, gardening, thrifting, dancing, exercising, going on walks, swimming at lakes, and crocheting. She was a wonderful homemaker, and had a special way of making those who visited feel welcome and aware her door was always open. Elaine was an amazing cook, and her guests were always well-fed. Her savored recipes are traditions that family will pass on through generations. She had the ability to make her garden flowers thrive and be beautiful, and her outdoor spaces sanctuaries to relax and be content in. Elaine was a master at completing do-it-yourself projects before it was a thing. She so enjoyed the treasure hunt of thrift shopping with her mom, family, and friends. She knew how to stretch a dollar and passed the skill onto her children, who have an abundance of valued finds. Elaine had great fun kicking up her heels on the dance floor over the years. She stayed active and fit by working out at the gym, taking walks, and swimming at lakes. She spent hours crocheting lovely pieces to gift others.
Along with being a full-time mom, Elaine worked tirelessly to support herself and her family through the years by undertaking a variety of occupations. She was a Secretary, Bookkeeper, Manager of a Figure Salon, Waitress, and Customer Service Representative. She fulfilled her roles with competence, dedication, and friendliness.
Elaine is survived by her brother, James McKenney Jr.; son, Shane Sanders (Angie); daughters, Julie Snell (Jim) and Robin Stoddard (Dick); seven grandchildren; and 11 of her 12 great-grandchildren: Jody Melia (husband, Joe, sons, Nicholas, Joey, and Brandon), Allison Holmstrom (husband, Robert), Kyle Snell (wife, Holly, daughter, Ava and son, Wyatt), Ryan Snell (wife, Cassie, daughter, Harper Jane), Megan Sanders (sons, Xander and Ronan), Erik Stoddard (wife, Lena, sons, Noah and Eli) and Kristin Doherty (daughter, Lily); and several, cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Oscar Ingalls; stepfather, James McKenney Sr.; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Meryl Ingalls; sister-in-law and best friend, Mary Ann McKenney; son, Scott Sanders; and great-grandson, Dayton Holmstrom.
In honor and celebration of Elaine’s life, a graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 12:30pm, at the Riverside Memorial Park, 508 N. Government Way, in Spokane. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a reception. As a joyful way of recognizing her passion for flowers and shades of blue, please consider wearing floral, tropical, or blue attire. Elaine was so compelled to help those in need. As a tribute to her enduring spirit, in lieu of flowers, please contribute to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.
