PIERRE, SD – Elaine Belle Hanson (85) was called home to the Lord and is re-united with her husband David on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Edgewood Assisted Living in Pierre, SD.

Service will be held in the Spring graveside on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Gardens (5851 East Hwy US12 – Aberdeen SD) at 11:00 am & fellowship / luncheon following at the AmericInn by Wyndam Event Center (301 Centennial St S). Upon their wishes, both Elaine & David will be put to rest together alongside their son Mark.

Elaine was born on September 13, 1938, in Sacramento, CA at the Sutter Hospital to her parents Mitchell Belle Rhoades & Marie Margaret (Foster) Rhoades. She has an older sister Bobbette (Rhoades) Rutsch and a younger brother Mitchell John Rhoades, both of Sacramento, CA.

Mom met the ‘Love of her Life’ and married David Allen Hanson February 3, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA and they were together for the remainder of their lives and are now re-united with each other for eternity.

David & Elaine moved to Redfield, SD (David’s hometown) after they were married and then shortly after that they moved to Aberdeen, SD in 1958 where they resided through early summer of 1972. That summer they moved back to Redfield, SD where David became the new Postmaster and Elaine began working at the Redfield Public School as a 1st Grade teachers-aide. In time, kids that came to know her began to affectionally call her “Mom”. In Redfield, she was also very active in her Church & also with the Boys & Girls Scouts.

To their marriage they had five (5) children: Paul T, Steven L, Debra A, Mark A, and John T.

In the Summer of 1984 her and David moved to Jamestown, ND as David was promoted to the USPS Postmaster position. Elaine chose not to work in Jamestown to allow her and David more time and flexibility to travel. In Jamestown, she became active in the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women group. Elaine & David were life-long members of First United Methodist Church.

She also became very active in the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) and served as the Treasurer of the Lady Washington Chapter. Elaine was the North Dakota Grand Representative for the following states/province for the years identified: Utah 1994 – 1997, California 2002 – 2003, and the Province of Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island 2005 – 2006. She also served as Chair of the Grand Pages in 2005 and was the ‘Escort’ to General Grand Chapter Committee Members (GGCCM) for David during 2004 – 2006. On August 25, 2022, Elaine was awarded and received a Certificate of Life Membership to the “Order of the Eastern Star” by the Grand Chapter of North Dakota in recognition for her loyal service.

After David retired, Elaine also became a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). Over the years, Elaine was the Treasurer for three (3) organizations: the First United Methodist Church, the ND Chapter of OES, and the NARFE.

Elaine & David were fortunate to travel as much as they did. They enjoyed their time on the road serving their organizations and visiting new places, time with colleagues and deep friendships that were bonded. They also drove & transported various friends & church members to Fargo or Bismarck for medical purposes; not because they had to but because they chose to. (there might have been the lure of food and eating somewhere … Lol). They were some of the most ‘Generous & Giving’ people we knew.

After Davids stroke in March 2010 and his eventual residence at the Ave Maria Nursing Home in Jamestown, Elaine was by his side every day until David’s death in November 2015. Elaine also began volunteering at Ave Maria to help wherever was needed.

In 2019 / 2020 Elaine was diagnosed with dementia and as a result it was decided to move her back to SD to be closer to family to help care for her. On June 4, 2020, she moved to Pierre, SD and resided at the Edgewood Assisted Living facility which was also mere blocks from one of her sons.

Elaine, a child of God, a servant of the community, a daughter, a loving wife, mother, grandmother (Nana), great grandmother, and sister, and a friend to all, has returned to the arms of the Lord. She had one of the most generous and kindest souls! She would help anybody. Let her spirit and her love forever remain in our hearts.

Elaine is survived by her children Paul Hanson, Steven Hanson, Deb Tvinnereim, and John (Jackie) Hanson. Elaine is also survived by her 7 Grandchildren & 10 Great Grandchildren as follows: Paul’s children: Michael (Jennifer) Hanson; Susan (Sam) Casper [Great Grandchildren: Samuel, Gracen, & Mallory]; and Sarah Hanson [Great Grandchildren: Carter, Peighton, & Hudson]; Steve’s child: Seth Van Severyn; Deb’s child: Megan (Nick) Meyers [Great Grandchildren: Owen, Aden, & Easton]; and, John’s children: Mitchell (Natalie) Hanson [Great Grandchild: Noah]; and Matthew Hanson.

Elaine was also survived by her beloved sister Bobbette Rutsch & brother Mike (Marc Ellis) Rhoades and nephew Tom Rutsch. Also, brother-in-law & sister-in-law Neil & Mary Hanson; niece Kim (Hanson) Boyne; and nephew Jeff Hanson.

She is preceded in death by her husband David; son Mark; her parents Mitchell & Marie Rhoades; brother-in-law Alvin Rutsch; and nephew Timothy Rustch.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army and/or your local Humane Society.

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