L. Elaine Tumbush

L. Elaine Tumbush passed peacefully and on her own stubborn terms on February 25, 2019.    She was preceded in death by her parents, Zender and Lucy Laudahn, her husband of 54 years, Bob, and her youngest daughter Joan. 

Mom was born and raised in Celina. Mom and Dad moved to Minneapolis and Indiana, before finally settling back in her childhood home in Celina.

Our parents spent 54 wonderful, loving, devoted years together. In so many pictures, 6'4" Dad towers over 5'3" Mom with his arm draped over her shoulder. They also never lost their love of dancing together. After Dad passed in 2004, Mom constantly threatened to stay in bed with the covers over her head.  But Mom dated 3 male friends (that we know of) who wined and dined her. She continued to enjoy life.

Her first occupation was Mother, forcing fish sticks on her children until 1973 when she began her storied career at Jamesway.  Never slowing down, she continued building her resume at Shoe Show, Hallmark, finally retiring from Walmart at age 84.  She loved to work and only called in "sick" once to go to the Lake Festival parade where” no one could possibly see her."

As an only child, Mom bore the responsibility of caring for her parents as they aged which included talking our 80-year-old grandfather off the roof of the big house they lived in, after he was seen cleaning the gutters. She cared for them alone - while raising 5 mostly obedient children. 

Elaine is survived by her 4 children: Kathy (Robert) Wilker, Lucy (Doug) Spicer, Renee (Doug) Rennie and Steve (Irene) Tumbush: 9 grandchildren: Jenny (Greg), Chris (Holly), Sara (Steve), Kristin (Pete), Alexandra, Abigail, Anna, Ava and Aliza. And 4 great grandchildren: Kati, Nate, Olivia and Nora.

Dementia robbed Mom of many great qualities and memories; but to the end she smiled at any man who entered the room. We had to remind her "no more boyfriends!"  If you have a moment, stop in the memory unit at Celina Manor and visit with the sweet residents and the caring and infinitely patient nurses and aides who all lovingly helped Mom on her journey. 

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday March 1, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Ron Wilker officiating.  Burial will follow at the church cemetery.  Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home, Celina.

Dementia and Alzheimer's are cruel diseases so in lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association or State of the Heart hospice angels.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lehmandzendzelfh.com

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