Elaine was born on January 14, 1934, to Archibald Lester and Odetta Cowley Buchanan in Venice, Utah. She was the youngest of five children. She spent her early years growing up on the family’s turkey farm with her siblings and extended family. Elaine moved to Salt Lake City with her parents during her teenage years, where she attended and graduated from South High School.
In 1953, Elaine traveled to work in Yellowstone National Park for the summer, where she met Jack Wade McCarty. Elaine and Jack were married on July 30, 1954. Together, they had four children: Madge, Miles, Gary, and Karen. They later divorced.
On January 26, 1973, she married the love of her life, Charles “Bob” Robert Holman. They spent 43 joyful years of marriage together before Bob passed in 2016. Bob and Elaine were devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where they faithfully served in numerous callings.
Together, they enjoyed spending time together, traveling, tending to their yard and garden, and spending time with their blended family – especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Elaine always enjoyed family gatherings, especially holiday parties, where she was known for her home-cooked meals, Christmas sugar cookies, decorations, and family sing-alongs. Her family meant the world to her, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren fondly remember the countless parties she hosted. After Bob's passing, she moved to Sunridge Assisted Living, where she made numerous friends with the residents and staff.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob Holman; her parents, Archibald and Odetta; brothers, Douglas (Virginia) and Ralph (Dean); and her sisters, Florence (Legrand) Parsons and Madge Buchanan. Her stepchildren, Nancy Burningham and David Holman, sons-in-law Randy Vahan, and Richard Seddon.
She is survived by her children, Madge Shell, Miles (Michelle) McCarty, Gary (Dawnette) McCarty, and Karen Hansen. Elaine is also survived by her stepchildren, Susan Vahan, Charles Robert Holman Jr., and Sharon Webb. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah. A graveside service will follow the viewing at the same location.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to her “favorite” Nurse Practitioner, Trenaissa Nay, and all the staff at Sunridge for their care and service to our wonderful Mom and Grandmother.
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