Eva ‘Elaine’ Mehlhose, age 95, of Clancy, passed away peacefully January 12, 2024 in her own home with her son by her side.
Elaine was born July 18, 1928 in Vulcan, Alberta, Canada to William Dyce and Eva Maude (Graves) Allan. She graduated from High School in Vulcan, Alberta and attended the University of Alberta, Calgary and during WWII, she played piano for the troops in Vulcan, Alberta.
Elaine worked first as a bookkeeper for a bank in Vulcan, Alberta and then went on to teach elementary school for a couple years in Alberta before going on to work as a bookkeeper for various companies in Canada. Elaine met and married Jack Mehlhose in1954 in Michigan. In Michigan, she was working as a bookkeeper for the Continental Division of the Ford Motor Company in the most prestigious manufacturing Plant in the United States at the time.
Elaine attended the University of Montana, graduating with a degree in education in 1961 and she became a Naturalized American Citizen also in 1961. Her only child, Ross, was born in 1964 and she became a stay-at-home mom for a few years. She went back to work as a part-time bookkeeper and then on to elementary education and adult education.
Elaine loved to cook and care for her husband and son. She thoroughly enjoyed caring for them and being a great mom and wife in their home in Clancy for the past 49 years.
Being both teachers, Elaine and Jack loved to travel with their son Ross in the summers. They went coast to coast and many places in between in their Chevy truck with camper. She often said, “You get to take your housework with you while traveling.” Elaine dabbled in Real Estate for a time, and she assisted Ross in building homes, doing foundations, and being a carpenter with her son.
Elaine was very artistic and a big reader of books. She loved horses and animals, with many dogs and cats as pets throughout her life. She was an active person even well into her last days. Elaine was a part of the ‘Clancy Aerobic Girls’ walking and exercising for well over 15 years. Even towards the end, she walked many laps around the deck of her house and doing military presses every day.
When Jack and Elaine retired, they volunteered at the Helena Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center for many years directing visitors to all the sights and attractions in and around Helena. She was even presented with a plaque for her years of dedication.
Elaine was instrumental in founding the Clancy Library as her passion was books and reading. When her husband Jack passed in 2004, she helped form the ‘Good Grief Girls’ for widowers and those that had loved ones pass to help with their grief. Elaine was very enthusiastic and had a pleasant attitude about her life and those around her. She was involved with the Grand Street Theater and could be considered an actress. She was a devout member of the Clancy United Methodist Church, considering them family as well.
Throughout her life, Elaine enjoyed musical productions, anything with the ‘Big Band’ sound. Even to the end of her life, she enjoyed singing with her son ‘Home on the Range’ and ‘Springtime in the Rockies’ and reading children’s books every day with Ross.
Elaine is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jack Mehlhose. She is survived by her son, Ross Mehlhose of Clancy and many friends.
A Funeral Service is set for 12:00 p.m., Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Clancy United Methodist Church followed by a reception at the church. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery following the reception.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 2, 2024
Clancy United Methodist Church
2 N Main St.
Clancy, Montana 59634
Reception
Following the service
Friday February 2, 2024
Clancy United Methodist Church
2 N Main St.
Clancy, Montana 59634
Burial
Following the reception
Friday February 2, 2024
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 2, 2024
Clancy United Methodist Church
2 N Main St.
Clancy, Montana 59634
Reception
Following the service
Friday February 2, 2024
Clancy United Methodist Church
2 N Main St.
Clancy, Montana 59634
Burial
Following the reception
Friday February 2, 2024
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Kaimy Marks says
What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. May you find comfort in the many memories made with her.
Chuck Amdahl says
I knew Elaine best through her son.
Ross’ love and commitment to his mother, so steadfast and deep, was admirable. This in itself speaks volumes of both mother and son. And in so completely devoting himself to her care he never wavered. Well done, son. Well done.
Leonard Willett says
Like Chuck I knew Elaine best through her son. Our best time was at birthday luncheon and house visits sharing memories. Sorry for your loss Ross.
Marilyn Wine-Olson says
I knew both Elaine and Jack since grade school. Elaine was aways very nice and as I grew up she was always very polite. Of course, I always considered them Mr. & Mrs. Melhose as that was out of respect from Jack being one of my teachers in Clancy. Thank you for sharing so much of your mom here with us, she definitely was an extraordinary woman! The Olson Family is sorry for your loss.
Saundra Lowry says
Ross,
I know how long and we’ll you cared for your beautiful mom. She was a special person and you are a special and devoted son. I am thinking about you now and in the days to come. I wish you comfort and peace during this time of loss. Saundra Lowry
Terri Lyn Kunz says
God Bless you and your devoted heart Ross. Elaine was a wonderful lady and a blessing. I know the memories are strong and love remains. Hugs my friend.
Sandee Badger says
I worked at Clancy elementary with Jack, Rlaines husband. We had occasion to visit many times. Elaine was a beautiful woman with a lovely spirit. I am so sorry for your loss,Ross! May the Lord comfort you as only He can!!
Sandee Badger
Doris Copenhaver says
I am so sorry Ross to see your mother passes. I ran into your mom occasionally and we reminisced and laughed over our times at the adult learning center. Thank you for taking such good care of her. Bless you. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I’d love to see you and catch up with you and your mom’s time since retirement.
Doris Copenhaver says
I am so sorry Ross to see your mother passed. I ran into your mom occasionally and we reminisced and laughed over our times at the adult learning center. Thank you for taking such good care of her. Bless you. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I’d love to see you and catch up with you and your mom’s time since retirement.
Kathleen Linjatie says
Dear Ross,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. Bless your heart for providing the loving care to her. Remember to be good to yourself! Take care, Katie Linjatie
JoDel Travis says
Elaine and Jack Mehlhose (Mr and Mrs Mehlhose) were very encouraging and supportive force in my life growing up in Clancy. Jack, my fifth grade teacher, and Elaine always had a compliment or supportive word to bolster my self worth. Both of them had accomplished a lot in their lives in educating themselves and others in language in particular. Elaine was so supportive as well of her husband and son Ross in many of their endeavors. I’m so grateful for Jack and Elaine’s interest in me and supportive words as i grew up. It meant alot to me.
My sincere condolences to Ross.