Elaine Jeanette Hanson, 92, of Apache Junction, AZ, formerly of Marshfield, WI, passed away August 2, 2021, at Melody Care Home in Apache Junction. Born June 19, 1929, at home on a dairy farm just west of Riplinger, WI, she is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Esther (Wittlinger) Ayer of Riplinger, and her husband of 66 years, Owen D. Hanson of Apache Junction. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Verland Ayer, Lenore (David) Vanderhoof, Lucille (William) Rahm, and Melvin (Helen) Ayer.
Elaine is survived by her four children: Sheila (Brian) Koenig of La Quinta, CA, Gale (Fulgencia) Hanson of Tempe, AZ, Barbara (Guy) Peterson of Escondido, CA and Kathleen (Riaz) Chaudhry of Escondido, CA; by her grandchildren: Eric (Christie) Cummings, Christopher Koenig, Sonia Hanson, Raul Larranaga, Patrick (Caroline) Peterson, Jason Chaudhry, Ryan (Shannon) Chaudhry, Sara (Robin) Oke, Rebecca Chaudhry and Sandra Chaudhry; and by twelve great-grandchildren.
Elaine attended schools in Riplinger and Unity, WI, graduating high school in 1946 at the age of 16. She and Owen married in 1946. The newlywed couple purchased a dairy farm near Colby, WI, which they operated for seven years. They moved to Marshfield in 1955 where Elaine began a long career in retail sales. She first worked in dress boutiques, a pharmacy and then at Julianne Fabrics where she broke the glass ceiling and became a store manager. After moving to Mesa, AZ in 1972, Elaine began store manager training with Cloth World and completed Business Management courses at Mesa Community College. Management training led to a successful and happy career as a store manager in El Paso, TX, Glendale, AZ, Mesa, AZ, Chandler, AZ, and Concord, CA. Elaine and Owen returned to Mesa, AZ in 1990 where Elaine worked for several years in the flooring department at Sears until her retirement. Throughout her career, Elaine was a dedicated mother, often hosting her entire family for wonderful Thanksgivings and Christmases. An excellent seamstress, she made sure her daughters all learned to sew and made beautiful clothing for them and her grandchildren. Her passion for cooking led to an extensive collection of cookbooks and spices. Up to her death, Elaine kept up with current events and advances in science and medicine. She was a wonderful conversationalist and encouraged her family to excel in whatever they focused on.
The funeral and internment will be at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207 (480.832.2850) on Monday, August 9, 2021. Viewing will be at 10 a.m., Chapel Service at 11 a.m. and Graveside Service at 12 noon.
To my cousins;
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. She was a grand lady. I am sure that she will be deeply missed. I think of her and my mother as women ahead of their time. They were business professionals who were passionate about their careers. They loved their husbands and families deeply. I am sure that she has joined your father and the rest of the Ayer family. Hold dear your special memories of her!
To my cousins;
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. She was a grand lady. I am sure that she will be deeply missed. I think of her and my mother as women ahead of their time. They were business professionals who were passionate about their careers. They loved their husbands and families deeply. I am sure that she has joined your father and the rest of the Ayer family. Hold dear your special memories of her!