Elaine Rosencrants Small

Elaine passed peacefully into Jesus’s hands on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, surrounded by family and friends at home in American House in Holland, Michigan. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend.

Elaine was born Elaine Esther Rosencrants in Vassar Michigan on September 12, 1931, to Leo & Edna Rosencrants. She married Harry Miller who was the son of Lloyd Miller, a local coach and favorite teacher, while she was still in her teens. Her early life was spent in the Thumb Area of Michigan but in 1960 she moved with Harry and their four children to Kansas and then to Sacramento, California where she spent most of her adult life until returning to Holland, Michigan four years ago to be with her son, Doug Miller, and his loving and caring family.

Her life was an active one beginning with her love of music. She played the piano, sang in and directed choirs, & even played the glockenspiel in the Vassar high school band. She was junior class president and was awarded the Alpha Beta award by the teaching staff. After raising her children, she graduated from Sacramento State College & became a speech therapist for 7 years and finally settled on management consulting for the rest of her working career. Never one to be idle, after retirement she went on to do volunteer work in her church, Sun City Square Dancers, Sun City Lincoln Neighborhood Watch, & even taking charge of making and delivering birthday cards at American House “Sandy Cove” while in Holland. She loved to crochet and made many blankets and prayer shawls for her friends and family, made dozens of tissue box covers, and had a passion for making Christmas stockings for her grandchildren. She loved learning and playing games and teaching them to others. She enjoyed watching such TV shows as Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Murder She Wrote, Doc Martin, Downtown Abbey, & anything Hallmark Theater.

Elaine was preceded in death by her first husband Harry Miller, her second husband Will Small, her brother Herman, her sisters Theyo & Hilda, and her son Steve Miller.

She is survived by her children, Ann Peck (Jim), Doug Miller (Daylene), Diane Gallegos (Jim), Step-Son Rich Small (Christina), & Step-Son Don Small (Lisa), 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, & 2 great-great grandchildren.

Elaine loved her family and friends, and she will be greatly missed by all.

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