Dr. Ebbert,I learned just today that Elaine has left us, and it is such sad news. What a sweet and caring woman she was, loving Nature, and eager to share that love. I'll always remember our Sunday drive to the southern Hills, stopping to observe, pointing out places and plants I'd never noticed before. Elaine opened my eyes to the grasses and the individual little ecosystems, giving me a whole new appreciation of that beautiful region. What a privilege to have known her. I'll remember her smile and her gentleness. May her name be a blessing, and may you be comforted by knowing just how much people care. Ann Haber Stanton
Michael Weig
Piedmont SD 03/03/2009
Ben I am so sorry about the passing of your mom. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Take care.
Jari Chevalier
New York, NY 03/01/2009
I only met Elaine once, last summer at the back yard gathering, while I was visiting Mark and Mary Zimmerman. That was such a good time. I remember her bright smile and warm welcome. My heart goes out to all of you who are grieving your loss. Big hug, Jari
John Willman
Rapid City 02/28/2009
Annemarie Kline
Pittsburgh, PA 02/27/2009
Dave and I have nothing but wonderful, loving, happy memories of Elaine – which we will hold close to our hearts forever. We adored Elaine and will really miss her. Ben and Uncle Larry: we love you both and wish you peace and strength.
Ron and Shirley Wilfong
Rapid City 02/27/2009
We were so saddened to hear of Elaine's passing. May god bless you and your family in your time of sorrow.Sinerely,Ron and Shirley Wilfong
Terry and Deb Geske
Rapid City 02/27/2009
BenSorry to hear of your mom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have many memories of her. Hope all your memories comfort you during this sad time.Sincerely,Terry and Deb Geske
Heather Cook
Vernal, Utah 02/27/2009
Dear Arlet and family Sorry to hear about the passing of Elaine. we will not be able to be there at the service but want to send our prayers and thoughts to you in the sad time. Heather&Chester &Ashley Cook
Brenda Pettyjohn
St Paul, MN 02/27/2009
Larry and FamilyI am sorry to hear of Elaine's passing. I have been out of touch for several years, but hold many fond memories of Elaine, both professional and personal. She was very dedicated to her work in the cancer registry so we had many conversations that always left me with some new piece of knowledge. I was also privileged to know Elaine outside of work. Her family and friends were of utmost importance. She was a gracious and beautiful woman who always had a smile for whomever she met. I know that she lives on through fond memories and the lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott Zieske
Rapid City 02/27/2009
Dr. Ebbert:My sincere condolences for your loss. I very much admired Elaine's outstanding work with The Nature Conservancy. She will be missed.Scott Zieske
Shelly Dress
Clayton, California 02/26/2009
Ben, My heart is aching for you. I know how close you were to your Mom. Keep those memories of her in your heart to help you heal and remember the good times shared with her. I know she was very proud of the amazing man she raised. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.
cara wilson-granat
Rocklin, CA 02/26/2009
A beautiful spirit is now tending to Higher Gardens. We were blessed to have her as briefly as we did. Be at peace, lovely Elaine. I wish we could have worked together on this earthly plain, but glad to have met you through your precious Ben. Such a love as you have for your son and all those who adored you never ends...Blessings to you, dear Ben and Molly and entire family as you honor this special light...Much love,Cara
Jan Stevens
617 Haines ct 02/26/2009
Dr. Ebbert, I am so sorry for your loss. I am unable to attend services this afternoon as I am working. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jan
Robert & Susan Jean Peterson
Rapid City, SD 02/26/2009
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Larry, Ben and the rest of Elaine's family. Elaine was the sunshine at all the Norbeck Society meetings and I know she will continue to be there for all of us in spirit. I believe she will continue to partner with us in sustaining and maintaining the Black Hills.
Cindy Howell
Rapid City 02/26/2009
Elaine, when a bunch of us hiked through the Whitney Preserve after our work morning, I watched you stand on the edge of the canyon, listening with a look of awe on your face. A bird was calling. You alone knew the sound of that bird, one that you told us you hadn't heard in years. Knowing the trials that you had overcome to be able to do that hike with us, I could see that the bird's call was a special gift for you, a blessing and confirmation of God's heart for you. You had such joy on your beautiful face.
Heather Morijah
Rapid City, SD 02/26/2009
Elaine was such a gem, and one of the gentlest souls I've ever met. She'll be missed by so many of us. I'm sending white light and love towards you all.
Sherry Smith-Stromberg
Carmel, California 02/26/2009
to "beautiful Ben", Molly, family and friendsMy deepest sympathy to all of you during this time of great sorrow and grief. I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Mom, Ben. Truly, my heart aches for you. Know there are many people at Macerich who are thinking about you....Tod, Rick, Ryan, me, Cara. Anything at all that we can do to be of help - you know we will do. For now, I am hopeful you can feel our loving presence with you and this offers you just a little comfort. With great affection and hugs to you and Molly. Sherry
Danny Sanchez
Concord, California 02/26/2009
Ben and Larry, my deepest thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Ben, the way you spoke and acknowledged your mother gave me the sense that you were very close to her. Know that she will always be with you guided you through life.
Kelly Tallant
Fresno, CA 02/26/2009
Ben, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. My heart and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. If there is anything I can do please let me know. With Sympathy, Kelly Tallant
Gene and Sue Thompson
Moraga, California 02/26/2009
Ben and Larry -Your mother and wife, Elaine was a special person. We hope the great memories of her life will comfort you through this difficult time.
Don and Kim Kelley
12637 Merritt-Estes Rd., Deadwood 02/26/2009
Our thoughts are with you, Larry and family.Elaine was indeed a treasure and an inspiration.
Doug and Sue Koppmann
Bradenton, FL 02/25/2009
Larry, Elaine was special to everyone she touch, and we send our sincer sympathy's. Sue and I will miss the ideal wild auction challenge that we shared. But mostly her caring ways and smile. We regret that we can not be there for you. Sincerely Doug and Sue Koppmann
Christian Morgan
Windsor, CO 02/25/2009
Ben's mother "sold" me my first car, a multi-colored Datsun. She was a great person and an important inspiration to me growing up.
Elizabeth Kraus Munro
02/25/2009
Please accept my sympathies for the loss of Elaine, a very special lady. She was always so pleasant and gracious, and she gave of herself freely to enhance the beauty of our special Black Hills. I pray that you find solace in the promised reunion we believers in Christ will have in our eternal lives.Elizabeth
Gabrielle Horner
02/25/2009
Elaine and I shared our love of the prairie by walking together in the Conata Basin just a few months ago. She lived her life as I hope to, challenged by unexpected illness, but showing others how to live by finding peace in nature. She was one of the loveliest person I have had a chance to meet in this life, and I will miss her very very much.
Terry & Barb Hansen
Deadwood, SD 02/25/2009
Larry, Ben, Connie, Harold & Arlet,We were so sorry to hear of Elaine's passing. We all grew up together in our Williams Street neighborhood. She was a true champion of many causes, always had a smile on her face and a great attitude. Larry and Ben... she was a true blessing in your life. She will be missed by everyone she ever met. Sincerely, Terry & Barb Hansen
Victoria Larson
Rapid City, SD 02/25/2009
Dr. Ebbert I was so sad to hear of your wife's passing. I did not know her well. But when I met her at the Relay For Life events, she was always very sweet. My thoughts are with you and her son. I am sorry she had to leave so soon, but know she is in a far better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Best wishes, Vicki Larson
Helen McGranahan
Custer SD 02/25/2009
Elaine was as beautiful in mind and spirit as the flora and fauna she cared for so deeply, and worked so hard to protect. She will be sorely missed...Bless her soul. Bless her family, and help them through the difficult times to come without her. And until we meet again, may God hold her in the hollow of his hand....
Bonnie Miller
Sturgis, SD 02/25/2009
Just wanted to express my sincere sympathy. Elaine was a special person and will be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Scherrer
Rapid City 02/25/2009
Larry: I'm sening this to you as I leave town later today for a scheduled meeting.....my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of Elaine....I have known Elaine for 30 years, and I can say with all sincerity that she was one of the finest people that I have ever been blessed to know. I also can say, knowing you also for these 30 years, that from where I have watched the 2 of you, she was truley your soulmate! I remember when you and I first visited about Elaine. You were sooooooooo happy ! You two guys were made for each other! I am so sorry that she has gone home to be with Jesus, our loss, without question, is heaven's gain! Please be comforted in the knowledge that the 2 of you will again be together when God calls you home as well.If there is anything that Sally or I can do for you during this time, plaese know that we are there.Your friendJim Scherrer
Sara Urbanski
Lander, WY 02/25/2009
Elaine will be missed by everyone she has touched throughout the years. I am so sorry to hear the news and send her family and friends my condolences. -Sara UrbanskiThe Nature ConservacyLander, WY
Jill and Jan Swank
02/25/2009
Dear Larry and Ben,We were shocked and saddened to learn of Elaine's death. Although I knew she had serious health issues, she was always SO upbeat and never wanted to discuss them. We had no idea that she had been so ill.Although we have been too out of touch since Jan and I left the Playhouse, I think of you both often and was always delighted to bump into you - usually at an arts event! What a wonderful woman she was and what a beautiful legacy she left. I ALWAYS felt better after visiting with her as she made me feel that I, too, was doing something worthwhile. Please know that our thoughts are with you and that I miss her smile already. She is gone too soon. Take care of yourselves and each other.Jan and Jill Swank
John Whitney
Rapid City 02/24/2009
I am saddened by Elaine's passing. I hope your memories will comfort you in the next few difficult days and months.
Leslie, Paul , Monek Stephens
Black Hawk, SD 02/24/2009
Our thought and prayers are with the family in this sad time.....Love Leslie, Paul and Moneik Stephens
Leslie Stephens
Black Hawk, SD 02/24/2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Elaine long ago. I was just a kid then. I had a geat time baby-siiting Ben when he was only 6 months old. I thought what a beautiful woman, kind and thoughtful.She will be dearly missed.
jeff symstad
hot springs SD 02/24/2009
Elaine was a great person. Kind, funny, intellegent. Those are words that come to mind when I think of her. I'll forever miss her brownies on volunteer work day at the Whitney preserve.
Judy Greslin
02/24/2009
Glen and I would like to extend our sympathy upon the death of Elaine. May God's peace and the joy of the resurrection give you comfort at this time. With Love, Judy Greslin and Glen Singleton
Kirk Funeral Home 1051 East Minnesota Street, Rapid City, SD 57701 | 605-343-4808 | 800-570-9852
