Elaine Arnold

Elaine Robertson Arnold, 58, went to be with her Lord and Savior Aug. 9, 2004. She was surrounded by her loving family as she passed in her sleep after a long battle with lung, kidney and heart problems.

She was born March 4, 1946, in Boise, Idaho, to Ernest Delbert and Katherine Elizabeth (Snow) Robertson. As she grew up, the family moved between the states of California and Montana.

On Sept. 26, 1962, Elaine married Walter Ephram Arnold and resided in Whitefish until 1982, when they moved to their current address in Columbia Falls. Elaine worked as a certified nurse's assistant at the Colonial Manor and Extended Care, in Whitefish, then at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell as a laundry assistant. Later she was a secretary at the Salvation Army until her health refused let her continue. Elaine was a longtime member of the Women of the Moose, Chapter 597, in Whitefish.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Cole Jewell Gardner, Vern Gardner, DeWayne Robertson and Henry Gale Robertson; three sisters, Dolly Marie Robertson, Clara LaRue Otero and Lois Brightengross; and a granddaughter, Laehdonis Elaine Hinkley.

She is survived by her husband, Walter Arnold; mother-in-law, Nellie Arnold; four children, Robert Arnold and Rowena, of North Pole, Alaska, Wendy Hinkley and Bryan, of Columbia Falls, David Arnold and Lori, and children Ruben, Marvette, Tonya, Cheryl and Duane, of Whitefish, and Katrina Arnold; three adopted children, Angelika Arnold, Jaymie Arnold and Christian Arnold, at the family home; brothers and sisters, Doris May Gardner and family, Delbert Lamar Robertson and family, Ernest Carl Robertson and family, and Mark Gene Robertson and family; and several nieces, nephews and good friends.

A memorial service for Elaine will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004, starting at 2 p.m. at the Whitefish Moose Lodge, with Rev. Davis Kauffman officiating.