Elaine was born on her grandfather’s farm in Prairie Du Long Township on March 23, 1936. She was the daughter of David and Luella, nee Pfeiffer, Scholes.
Elaine entered civil service at Scott Air Force Base in 1954, working in the Air Training Command. She left that position to continue her education earning an Associate of Arts degree from Belleville Area college. When returning to work, she held positions as a secretary at Freeburg Grade School, Kindergarten teacher at Caseyville Methodist School, and a dental assistant in Freeburg. In 1984, she returned to civil service and spent the remainder of her career at Scott Air Force Base. While there, she received many distinguished awards including, 2003 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of the Year and the 375th Operations Group Civilian of the Year Award.
Elaine was a past member of the Parkview Church of the Nazarene and a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL. Community being important to Elaine, she taught Sunday school and was the 119th President of St. Paul’s. She had also worked as a Counselor at Camp Dubois for many summers.
She travelled with the Worldwide Mission spreading the Gospel in South America, Jordan, Africa, the Dominican Republic, and New Mexico. One of her great life experiences was visiting Jerusalem, where Jesus walked.
Elaine was a huge Cardinal fan watching games whenever she could, with more than a few players receiving a bit of her wrath for a misplay. This past summer, after not attending a game in person for quite a while, she was determined to go and went to Busch Stadium one last time. Her Cardinal highlight was attending Spring Training with Kim in 2007.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Lurell Main, whom she married on October 29, 1955, and who died on April 15, 1962; her parents; her stepmother, Laura, nee Herzog, Scholes; a brother-in-law, John Main; and a special uncle and aunt, John and Dorothy Schaefer.
She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Ann (Brad) Towers; two granddaughters, Paige (Damian) McMullin and Allyson (Dan) Schwab; a great-granddaughter, Helaina Schwab; two sisters, Diane Harms and Louise (Arthur) Shepard; three nieces, Jennifer Fiedler, Kathy Shepard, and Laurie (Robert) Gansen; a nephew, Randal Harms; a very special great-niece, Lucy Fiedler; two great-nephews, David Gansen and Daniel (Kassandra) Gansen; a great-great-niece, Everly Gansen and her grand-dog, Orson.
Also surviving are her husband’s devoted family, Betty Schwebel, Mary (Burke) Potter, Juliana Main, Victor (Lee) Main, Robert (Charlotte) Main, Russell (Sherry) Main; special great-niece, Emma Main; along with many other nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
May she rest in peace with her Lord and Savior.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL, or Parkview Church of the Nazarene, or to Family Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL, with Rev. Andrew Lovins and Pastor Jay Schoff officiating.
Burial will be held at Smithton City Cemetery, Smithton, IL.