Elaine passed from this life to find peace and rest on June 9, 2014. Born April 12, 1928 to Clement and Alice Foote Johnson in Horsehead, San Juan Co., Utah, she grew up helping in the fields, herding cattle, milking cows and doing other chores. She went to school in a one room school house, grades 1 through 8, and then attended Monticello High School where she was student body secretary.
After graduation, Elaine and a friend moved to Salt Lake City to seek their fortune; she found employment at Utah Power and Light. In Salt Lake she met and married Russell Sharp Anderson. Elaine and Russell had 5 children, and owned and operated a dry cleaning business. They later divorced.
Elaine's passion for caring for the elderly began after visiting her Grandma Foote in a nursing home. Distraught with the conditions she said, "I can do a much better job of caring for geriatric people." So she did. She became a nursing home administratorand with her second husband (later divorced) L. Howard Redd, owned and operated two nursing homes. Together they had a daughter. Elaine also served as President of the Utah Health Care Association.
Elaine frequently talked about her patients. A favorite story was of Mrs. Lucy Hottenstein, a 100 year old Elvis Presley fan. Elaine worked with a radio station to arrange a special invitation and limo ride for Lucy to attend the 1971 Elvis concert in the Salt Palace. Elaine's care for patients, family and friends included bringing joy and fulfilling individual wishes whenever possible.
After selling the nursing homes, Howard and Elaine opened The Hogan Trading Post in Salt Lake City. During this time, Elaine became very active in community and civic affairs. She served as Chairperson of the Draper City Arts Council and in 1994 was elected Mayor of Draper City. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many ward positions including president of the MIA and the Relief Society.
Beyond Elaine's accomplishments, her most treasured roles were mother and grandmother. She encouraged her children to pursue what they loved…nursing, business, music or dance. During her last years, even when struggling with memory, her paramount thoughts were of her children and grandchildren. She put others' interests ahead of her own and was generous with her time, money and talents. She was a wonderful and much loved Mother and Grandmother and will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Arlon, Bulah, Barbara; her son Arlon (stillborn); a granddaughter; and two former husbands. She is survived by her children, Vickie (Don) Davis, Wendy, Craig (Merikay), Kevin, Tami (Stephan) Knubel; 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; brother Kay Johnson; sisters Iris Barton and Marva Butler. Thanks to Bel Aire Senior Living and Tender Care Hospice for their care.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the Draper 12th Ward Chapel, 12353 S. 600 E. in Draper. Visit with family from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
