Elaine Beth Erekson Woodruff

Elaine Beth Erekson Woodruff, 72, passed away peacefully November 10, 2014 as a result of numerous health challenges. This world has lost a beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother, but heaven is now richly blessed with her faithful, valiant spirit. Elaine was born April 1, 1942 in Murray, Utah, to William Shirley Erekson and Jennie Elaine Wright Erekson, and spent her childhood in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. She had many good memories of growing up on a mink ranch on Butler Hill. She learned how to drive a stick-shift jeep when she was 12. When she was 17, her father was called as President of the Swiss-Austrian Mission. Her senior year at Jordan High School she was elected cheerleader, but chose to accompany her parents to the mission field instead. After living in Switzerland for a year, she returned home to attend BYU.

While visiting her sister, Ardis in Salt Lake, Elaine met Bruce Woodruff in 1961. They were married in the Bern Switzerland Temple on June 27, 1962. They are the parents of four daughters and one son with 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way. She dearly loved her husband, her children and each grandchild whom she prayed for nightly by name. The grandchildren treasure the personalized quilts she made for them.

During her 20-plus years as an Avon lady, she included an extra gift with every order, which really said, "I love you." Elaine enjoyed traveling throughout the world with her husband, family, and dear friends. She loved celebrating the holidays with her family and made them extra special. She enjoyed shopping, sweaters and shoes.

Elaine loved her neighbors and friends! She found much joy serving others. Many consider her a "forever friend." She always supported her husband, Bruce, in his leadership positions. They also enjoyed their time serving together in the Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh Mission, 2008-2009. She had a strong, unwavering testimony in the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and was an inspiration to many as she lived and dealt with an unbelievable number of health challenges. Her faith and powerful prayers will forever influence and bless the lives of her posterity.

She is survived by her husband Wilford Bruce, her children Andrea Wilkinson (Kenn), Douglas Woodruff (Susan), Marie Woodruff (Dan), Elizabeth Callister (Kelly), and Kathryn Brown (Dave). She is also survived by her sisters Shirley Garff (Newell, deceased), and Ardis Macfarlane. Elaine was preceded in death by her father, mother, and her brother William Benbow.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 15, at 11:00am at the East Millcreek 2nd Ward Chapel, 3750 S. Hillside Ln (2500 E.). Friends and family are welcome to visit Friday evening, November 14, 6:00-8:00 pm at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, SLC, and at the church Saturday morning 9:30-10:30am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Humanitarian Aid Fund or Perpetual Education Fund of the LDS Church. Messages for the family can be posted at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com