S. Elaine Persinger, 77, passed away Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, and went home to our dear Lord and Savior. She was born in Hondo, Texas, July 24, 1933. She was the oldest child born to Will and Loreta Neely and had a younger brother, Jimmy. They have all gone to meet the Lord. She attended Multnomah University-Bible College as a young woman, then met her husband, Wesley Gene Persinger in Hines, Ore., while she was attending nursing college in California. She then stopped school to be married and create a family. They were married on Dec. 17, 1954. They soon had four children, Brent, Gary and Ilene, Scott and Wendy, Cindy and Don Bullock. She soon finished her nursing degree at Boise State. They raised their children in Burns, Ore., then Wes and Elaine managed Motel 6 in Kalispell for 13 years, retired, and then bought Riverside Trailer Park in Columbia Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Loreta Neely; and her brother, Jimmy Neely. She is survived by her husband, Wesley Persinger; four children; 11 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. Elaine was always smiling and enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing. She had great love for God and her family. She lived her life as a wonderful Christian woman, expressing her morals and values along with offering prayer and loving advice for all those in need. Our dear loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother will be truly missed and cherished. A gathering and celebration of her life will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the family home at 1055 Jellison Road, D-7, Columbia Falls. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.