Elaine Doris (Farren) Whiteis passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 78. Even as her family mourns her death, they celebrate her life.

Elaine was born July 25, 1938, in Philadelphia and spent her childhood in Grenloch, New Jersey.

She married her best friend, George Whiteis, on Nov. 25, 1960. In 1964 they moved to Coon Rapids, where they lived until 1996. At that time they sold their house, purchased a motorhome and went sightseeing for many years. Elaine was a true gypsy at heart and loved to travel the United States and abroad, her favorite place being Hawaii.

She was preceded in death by son, Michael; son-in-law, Allen Saks; parents Lena and Lester Farren; in-laws Mert and Mayme Whiteis of Albert Lea; and brothers-in-law Bill Milligan and Bernie Evans.

She is survived by loving husband of 56 years, George; children Lisa (Jeff) Iverson and Dawn Saks; daughter-in-law, Stephanie (Tim) Gross; eight grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; siblings Janet Milligan and Ken Farren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at New Hope Community Church’s Isanti Campus, 114 Dahlin Ave. in Isanti. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.