Elaine Joan Hartzell, 68, of East Helena, passed away Feb. 2, 2015. Elaine was born March 7th, 1946 to Arnold and Bertha Hoffer in Kief, North Dakota. She was raised with a very large family of 4 brothers and 6 sisters, on her families homestead in North Dakota and graduated from Drake high school in 1964.
Elaine lived to work; without it she was lost. From a young age she developed a work ethic that could only be admired. She developed her strong work ethic from working on her family’s farm, especially with her father. Elaine was truly a daddy’s girl. Whenever she spoke of her father, her face was swept with a child-like grin, as she told stories of working with her father and waiting for him “while sitting on a bag of potatoes.”
Soon after graduating high school, Elaine helped a friend move to Helena, MT, where she ran out of money, got a job and started her life as an adult in the small town of East Helena. Soon after moving to Helena, Elaine would meet the love of her life, Boyd Hartzell, in 1968. Elaine and Boyd set their roots in East Helena, where they owned and operated the Mint bar. Together, Boyd and Elaine had two daughters, Delaine, who was born in 1972, and Shalaine, who was born in 1987.
Elaine spent many years serving her community as well, working as a waitress at many local businesses such as the Colonial Inn, Green Meadow Country Club, Smith’s Restaurant and Jorgenson’s Restaurant. Her years of service contributed to many lifelong friendships. Elaine was appreciated tremendously in her community and was loved by many.
Elaine was a hard working woman, who adored her family. She was truly the matriarch of her family and will be greatly missed.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Bertha Hoffer, her brothers Jeff and Lyle Hoffer, her sisters Karen Bredine, Marge Rogers, and Linda Close, as well as her beloved husband, Boyd Hartzell. Boyd passed in 1991, Elaine would never remarry. Elaine and Boyd are now reunited.
Elaine is survived by her daughters Delaine Hartzell and Shalaine Hartzell, her grandchildren Jaime Larson, Destin Hartzell, Dakota Hartzell, Hayden Hartzell and Harper Hartzell, as well as her brothers Joel and Loren Hoffer, and her sisters Sandy Franstvog, Sharon Hoffer, and Lynette Stensby.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at Jorgenson’s Restaurant Banquet Room, 1714 11th Avenue. Memorials and donations in Elaine’s name can be sent to the family at 502 Peosta Ave Helena, MT 59601.
I Am Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’ touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
Janice M. Fair-Salters
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Big Sky Cremation & Twitchell Funeral Se rvice says
1 file added to the album Memories Album
pattiemcknight says
so sorry about your loss of Elaine,she was a very nice lady!!!