Elaine Walters May 2, 1934 - Feb.1, 2024
A Celebration of Life for Elaine Walters, age 89, of Abilene, Kansas, will be held Saturday, February 24, at Community Bible Church, Calvin Hall (lower level west entrance), 1400 N. Cedar, Abilene, Kansas. Friends and family will be welcomed for visiting at 2:00pm with a celebration of remembrance service beginning at 3:30pm. Rev. Lindsey Brummer will officiate. Elaine passed away peacefully, with her family nearby, on February 1, 2024, at Abilene Memorial Hospital.
Elaine Antoinette Anderson was born May 2, 1934, in Lincoln, Kansas, to Anton and Esther (Troup) Anderson, the youngest of three children. Elaine grew up in Lincoln where she was baptized and confirmed at the
Elaine Walters
First United Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952 and then attended Kansas State University.
On January 3, 1954, Elaine and Richard Walters were united in marriage at the First United Presbyterian Church in Lincoln and celebrated 62 years of marriage. They created a rich life together with a foundation of faith, family, and many lifelong friendships. Their partnership expanded as Elaine joined Rich, along with her brother and sister-in-law, in creating Anderson’s, Inc. They owned Anderson’s Clothing Store in Lincoln, Bon Marche in Concordia, Plaza Style Shop in Salina, and Hamburg’s in Abilene, where they moved in 1972. This business partnership lasted 42 years.
Elaine was an active member of the Presbyterian Church while in both Lincoln and Abilene, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Elder, Deacon, and choir member. She was a charter member of E.S.A. sorority in Lincoln, and a member of P.E.O. for 53 years, most recently in Chapter JQ. She volunteered at the Eisenhower Library and Abilene Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed reading and book club, the daily crossword puzzle, Scrabble, cards, cooking and baking (especially pies and her famous scotcheroo cookies), the many dogs that joined the family, and all activities involving her children and grandchildren. Elaine’s gracious, kind spirit was apparent in all of her interactions, including the unconditional love she gave to her family and friends. She had the gift of hospitality, opening her home with warmth and humor, ready to be a good listener, turning attention to others rather than herself. She will be greatly missed.
Elaine is survived by her three children, daughter, Cathy (Ted) Hugghins of Fort Dodge, Iowa, son, Chris (Lisa Salsgiver) Walters of Andover, and son, David (Jodi) Walters of Abilene; seven grandchildren, Seth (Jaymie) Hugghins, Luke (Lexie) Hugghins, Hope (Zac) Hunt, Annie Walters, Hayley (Hunter) Taylor, Allie (Nathan) Ross, and Jaden (Layton) Reynolds; two great grandchildren, Hudson and Denver Hugghins, and nieces and nephews. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Rich Walters in 2016, her daughter-in-law, Marcia Walters, sister, Barbara Hanefield (husband Bob), brother, Bob Anderson (wife Betty), her parents, in-laws, and several nieces and a nephew.
The family thanks Dr. Brian Holmes and the staff at Memorial Hospital for their loving care of Elaine and the entire family. Cathy and Chris would like to offer special thanks to David and Jodi Walters for their devoted care and assistance given to both Rich and Elaine throughout the last years of their lives.
The family chose cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to Abilene Memorial Hospital Volunteer Corps. These may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd Street, Abilene, Kansas, 67410. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.martinbeckercarlson.com.