Só very sad to hear this news.  Coach Viney helped to start the Carroll Boys Volleyball  team and served as its first coach in 1994.  A small group of us tried and tried to get the sports director to approve supporting this team and without her support, including not taking a salary the first year, this dream of ours would never have happened. Her passion  and love of volleyball was infectious.  Sending my sympathies and condolences to her family. 

My deepest condolences to Elaine's family.  She was my VB coach at Carroll and I can still remember her drills, wall sits...and telling me to move my feet and not fall like a tree.  I also remember Eric and Lauren at all the practices and games, I am amazed to see all that you have accomplished.  I coached many years and got that inspiration from your MOM.  Thanks Elaine and am grateful for all you taught me.  

Dearest Elaine, when I think of you the words kind and beloved come first to mind.  I am praying for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to be with Steve, Eric, Lauren and those who love and know you.  May you Rest In Peace until we meet again.  
Blessings,
Dorothea Fields

The last time I saw Elaine  was in September 2021.  Elaine was helping my sister cope with her loss.  Elaine is the sweetest person and so giving.  All of us in the Tobin and Fields family love Elaine so much and are sending our Love to everyone and a deepest sympathy, love and prayer to Eric, Lauren, Steve and their families.  🙏🏼❤️ Tanis

Memories of Senior  Girl Scouts, WSU Volleyball,  you singing with Linda at my wedding, then having our kids close, coaching JO together and being a part of your family through out all!         Love you , from  Deb,
Adam, Karen, Adam Jr and John

My thoughts and prayers are will all of Elaine’s family and friends. I have had the privilege to work with Elaine at the Cameron Bingle plant a few years ago. I fondly remember her telling me about the wonderful European River Cruise she took with her husband and how much she enjoyed that. We shared a love for travel and Elaine always had plans to travel and see the world. She was kind and caring and immediately made me feel welcome when I first joined the team. I still remember the last time I saw her, she smiled at me and gave me a warm hug. That is the way I will always remember her. 

It was my privilege to work with Elaine for several years at Cameron.  She was not just a co-worker, but a good friend.  She was such  a pleasure to work with.  She was always willing to help anyone with anything.  And she always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.  To Steve, Lauren, Eric and all of Elaine’s family, my sincere condolences for your loss.  I can’t help smiling when I think of Elaine and all the wonderful memories of her.  And then the tears come.  I know that she is resting with our Lord and I will see her again.  Rest In Peace, dear Elaine, my friend.

Elaine was my roomie back many years ago at my first big tournament to referee at as a rookie in Dallas.  She took me under her wing and patiently showed me the ropes.  I hope that I can continue to pay it forward throughout my officiating career.  She will be missed.

Elaine, so many memories… she was so many things to me over the past 34 years. my coach, role model, mentor, but my favorite was the fact that she was a dear dear friend! She was one of a kind with a heart of gold. Always made the time to come back to Ohio for whatever friend or family member had something going on. She taught me so many things about coaching, but even more about how to be a friend! 

Dear Steve ,Lauren and Eric,  Elaine was a beautiful lady inside and out. She always found time to call, send cards or gifts. Even though she moved to Texas she never forgot her friends in Ohio. Steve I’m so glad she met you. You brought so much joy to her life. Elaine is a friend that can never be replace. She was more like a sister than a friend. I will miss those late night calls talking about our kids and whatever information she thought I needed.  Lauren and Eric she loved you so much and was so excited to become a grandma. Keep those memories close to your heart. Love you

Just a few thoughts to share with family and friends about my beloved sister.  

Elaine loved to travel – my first memories of traveling with her were based in Florida – a trip with Mom & Dad, Larry, Elaine and I to visit with our grandparents and family members over Christmas, Elaine and I driving our Aunt Sister Susan and her friends to New Smyrna Beach and spending a day at the Magic Kingdom with the nuns, and driving with Elaine, Eric and Lauren to meet with Ken & Teri’s family and Mom & Dad to spend a week at Clearwater – Elaine was always up for an adventure. 

Elaine loved to sing – we both sang in the chorus of Camelot in high school (along with Deb Ravenstein), she joined me in singing with my guitar group at church and we sang at our friends’ weddings and family celebrations. 

I was always excited about the opportunity to walk out of my classroom and go to the gym to watch Elaine coach volleyball at Carroll.  I recommended Elaine for the job after I subbed for an injured coach. I knew I wasn’t coaching material, but she definitely was.  I’m happy I was able to play a small part in her success there.

Because we shared a room, we spent a lot of time together growing up.  I was honored to have Elaine as my maid of honor, happy she agreed to be Jacob’s godmother and she was always an important part of my life.  I will miss her.


Elaine will be missed dealy, she was a beautiful,  caring, fun, and supportive special lady. I thank God for allowing our paths to cross.  She brought great ideas , laughter, leadership and kindness to the Ladies Guild and very giving of her time and of herself, it's hard to believe she's gone, but she will always be in our hearts We will miss you, pray for us Elaine, love Patty Z.

It has been said a life can be measured in the difference you make in the lives of others. Elaine was a daughter, mother relative and friend to many people. She also was a volleyball coach who made a significant impact on many students. She was more than a coach, she was a mentor, friend and leader.  We feel so blessed to have had Elaine in our lives, and our sincere condolences to the entire family.

The Stukenborg Family

One of the finest coaches an athlete could ever hope to play for. Both fierce and compassionate, she taught me a game I didn't know and solidified a love and appreciation for competition. Thank you for all the lessons, Coach.

A vast majority of my memories with my mother seem to endlessly revolve around sporting events.  She was committed to giving my sister and I the best opportunities we could find to be involved in as many sports as possible.  Basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, football, and soccer; Lauren and I participated in each of these sports not only for our schools but for select club teams as well.  She supported our passion for sports and constantly found ways to fund our passions through the years.  I look back and have absolutely know clue how she accomplished all of the things she did with her coaching, reffing, and playing along side all of the multiple sports we played.  Of course, the entire family was of great support to her and us.  As we got older and participated in less sports but more committed levels of our chosen sports, she was a fan that our HS and college teams could nearly always count on as being a supporter of all.  She became a near mainstay at my basketball games at Defiance College and the people from the town she sat by got to know her very well.  I would like to believe that she was a reason why so many people knew me in that college town, not because of play.

I can sit back and remember traveling with her as a young kid to countless university campuses across the Midwest to watch volleyball matches she was officiating.  Some of the places that come to mind are the Universities of Indiana and Illinois, Ohio State, Miami (OH), and what feels like the hundreds of trips to Univ. of Dayton and Wright State.  I have fond memories of the care rides and the campuses I got to experience as a wandering kid on these campuses.  These experiences are where my desire to one day become a college coach originated. 

I thank you mom, for allowing us to have experiences that not all children get to have.  I feel I was able to become a worldly thinker because of these experiences. 

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Elaine’s untimely passing. I always enjoyed talking to you when you were still living in Dayton and at St. Anthony Church as well as the famous competitions in volleyball with Carroll and CJ. My heart and prayers go out to Lauren and Eric and family.  May she Rest In Peace..

As Elaine's sister I have more memories than I can possibly recall here.   I will tell you about two events that most strike me as evidence of what a loving, caring, selfless person my baby sister was in her life. 
In 1990 I was president of a chapter of the Natl Assn of Ins Women.  A vote was going to be held in Denver in June of that year, and as the person most acquainted with the background felt I needed to attend as the designee of the chapter.  What I didn't know when I assumed the president's position the year before was that I would be giving birth to my 3rd child right before the convention began.   I'm not sure if I asked Elaine or she volunteered to accompany me and my new daughter on this trip but I'm guessing she volunteered.   She would have left her children in someone else's care so she could help with Becca whenever I could not have her in the meetings with me.   We were also blessed to be able to spend quality time together exploring Denver, including a trip to Red Rock.  Over the years we have traveled together many times, and I have been a welcome guest at Steve and Elaine's home in Houston as I am a frequent attendee at the annual Quilt Show held at the convention center downtown.  I, and the friends I bring along to the quilt show, are always warmly welcomed and catered to when in Houston.  

Story #2 - A long time friend of mine needed to go to the M.D. Anderson Cancer center in Houston.   I put him and his wife in touch with Elaine to see if she could help with advice on places to stay, things to see, etc.   to make their trip a mini-vacation as well as a medical trip.  Elaine, of course, went further than that, had them stay with her and Steve, picked them up, drove them around, took them to see the sights, and even welcomed their daughter in for the latter part of the trip.  Again, a testimony to the Christian attitude of whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.   



My mother was one of the most genuine and selfless people you would ever know. She was a mother,  best friend, coach, the best Gigi that any kiddo could ask for, and my rock. Her laugh was contagious, her spirit was so bright, and her love was endless. 
She was always there for all of Eric's and I's High School and College basketball and volleyball games. She was truly our biggest fan. I'll never forget watching her coach and watching film even when I didn't know  I was watching film. My mom showed me a love for a game that made me who I am today. For that, I am eternally grateful. I loved watching her referee and going to all the college games with her. Sometimes, Eric and I would steal a volleyball and pepper in the hallways of the arena's mom would referee in. We played in the hallways of Carroll HS while she was coaching, and I would serve balls over the net when her teams were on a water break. So many good memories of her coaching and riding the buses with her teams. I still don't know how She did it all and never complained.

My mom had this amazing way of making everyone feel loved and comforted all at the same time, she always knew the right thing to say when you would feel at your worst. 

Mom, I'll love you forever and I know one day we will see each other again one day


Elaine, you will be missed by St. Edith Stein Catholic Church, St. Edith Stein Ladies Guild, Choir and may other areas at church and in our community that you touched. You were always there to help with anything you could.

I will miss Elaine's smiling face and the beautiful friendship we shared through the choir and Ladies Guild.  She will be greatly missed by everyone she touched.  My sincere sympathy to Elaine's husband, children and grandchildren. She was certainly a special person to all who came in contact with her. I will miss her very much.

I will miss Elaine singing in the row in front of me at St. Edith Stein Choir.
Debbie Frontiera

Elaine was a wonderful person and has touched many people in our volleyball world and they are in a better place because of her.  She always enspired a positive atmosphere around her. I was fortunate enough to have her as a cousin, teammate, club director, and official for several matches. Bless this woman and everyone she visited on earth.

Elaine, we are all better for knowing you, working with you, and sharing the world. My heart goes out to Steve and all Elaine’s extended family at this tragic time.   Rest In Peace. 

My sympathy to Elaine's entire extended family. I knew the family back in the East Dayton days. My condolences to all.

Helen Saluke

My Deepest sympathy to Elaine's family. I know she loved you all  very much. I was part of the "Girls Gang" at Cameron and so very grateful to have known her. Elaine was a true mentor. She was always there to build you up and give encouragement.  I still hear her voice ...His mercies never end. They are new every morning...  

Love you Elaine,
Lisa

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Elaine’s family and all that knew her as she touched so many lives.  She was such a wonderful and giving person and always ready to help others. 
We worked together at Cameron for many years and also shared a friendship.  Elaine loved her children Lauren and Erik so much and was so proud of them.   Her grandchildren were so special to her.  So glad that she and Steve found each other in life as she was devoted to him.   I know there is a special place for her in heaven.

As adults, we somewhat lost touch, as cousins often do. But I feel like I lost part of my childhood -Elaine was Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. She was grade school and high school. She was lake Lorelei and summer festivals.   We watched each other grow up and she grew up so well. Such a loss for all. My condolences to Steve, Eric, Lauren and of course all the Mauch’s. Heaven just got better. 

First and foremost, my deepest sympathies to Steve, Erik, Lauren, all the grandbabies, and family members.  I am so very sorry for your loss.   I had the privilege of working with Elaine for many years @ the Cameron Bingle Rd facility, and we had one of the best girl gang's there ever was.  For many years we ate lunch together every day, went on girls trip, had multiple happy hours, celebrated birthdays, weddings and babies.  Elaine was a wonderful person, a true giver, and a true friend.   I always appreciated Elaine's gifts, as she did not give gift cards, no, not Elaine, she made sure she picked something out just for YOU.   I am still in such shock and disbelief.    Elaine, you will be missed, you truly made an impact on all our lives. 

Breanna

Elaine was a wonderful addition to the Barker's Ridge Neighborhood, St. Edith Stein Catholic Community and the ACTS Sisterhood.  Elaine, I had a grand time helping you with logistical questions to make your daughter's Wedding Reception wonderful.  You will be dearly missed by your family, friends, ACTS Sisters and our entire community.  I will miss seeing your smiling face in the Choir at 11AM Mass.  May God surround your family with His peace and comfort and may you continue singing - with the Heavenly Choir.  Bon Voyage!

Elaine was my "alto buddy" in the St. Edith Stein Choir. We usually sat next to each other and we had a blast singing and jolking together. We loved to talk about our travels, her latest referee story, our kids and especially our grandkids. Several yeesrs after a tough back surgery, Elaine and Steve visited and brought us two delicious home-cooked meals. The food and the fellowship meant so very much to both Tony and I and we will never forget their kindness. 11 am Mass will just not be the same without your beautiful voice and although heaven is rejoicing at your arrival, we are so very grieved at your loss. Until we meet again, God hold you in the palm of His hand.

My heart goes out to Steve and all of Elaine’s family and friends.   She was a joy to be around and I wish all she touched will find comfort in all the wonderful memories of being with her. 

SOME YEARS AGO, I HOSTED A GROUP OF WOMEN FROM THE CHURCH AT A DRESS BARN EVENT WITH WINE AND SNACKS.  OF COURSE, ELAINE ACCEPTED THE INVITATION AND WE HAD A GRAND TIME MODELING DIFFERENT OUTFITS FOR THE GROUP THAT DAY.  AT THE END OF THE EVENT, ELAINE AND I SELECTED THE SAME DRESS TO PURCHASE.  SINCE WE BOTH SANG IN THE 11:00  CHOIR, WE SPENT THE NEXT THREE YEARS CALLING EACH OTHER ON A REGULAR BASIS ON SUNDAY MORNINGS TO ENSURE  WE DIDN'T BOTH WEAR THE DRESS TO MASS.  (IT WAS A REALLY CUTE DRESS AND A GREAT WAY TO KEEP IN TOUCH!)

OBITUARY

Elaine Frances (Viney) Crane

24 August, 1958 – 29 March, 2022

American Heritage Funeral Home

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