Elaine Demeuse

Elaine was a devoted Christian wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend to all. She was known for her warm smile, kindness, strength and quiet wisdom.

She was born on September 7, 1922, the daughter of Charles and Sophie (Nygaard) Hill. Her mother immigrated from Norway in 1904 with her parents Frederick and MaryAnn, bringing all of their possessions in 2 steamer trunks. Elaine graduated from Rock High School in 1939 where she participated in basketball and track. She later moved to Chicago for work before returning home.

In August 1941, she married Thomas Servant, who passed away in 1945. They had 2 children, Karen and Thomas Jr.

Elaine later married Wilbert Demeuse on February 14, 1947 following his service in the Battle of the Bulge. They shared 52 years of marriage until his passing on April 29, 1999. They had 2 daughters, Susan and Julie.

In 1964, Elaine began working at Perkins High School as secretary to the Superintendent and retired in 1984. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins, active in the Perkins PTA, the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel and the Perkins American Legion Auxiliary.

Elaine loved spending time with family and friends, always enjoying conversation over ‘something with our coffee.’ She sewed quilts for her children and grandchildren, cheered on her grandchildren’s sports teams and was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, puzzles, birdwatching and being outdoors. She was adventurous and taught herself to cross-country ski, ride a bike and drive a car.

Elaine and Wilbert were active in the Perkins Senior Citizens Club and community events. In later years, she enjoyed cruises with her daughter Julie and family and especially loved visiting Lisa and Dawn at their former bed and breakfast in Prescott, AZ during the holidays.

Elaine celebrated her 100th birthday on September 7, 2022 with family and friends at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Elaine is survived by Daughter: Julie (Mitchell) Powers, Son-in-law John Carlson, 7 Grandchildren; 11 Great-Grandchildren; 11 Great-Great Grandchildren and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wilbert Demeuse and former husband Thomas Servant; her children Thomas Jr., Susan and Karen; her granddaughter Gina Martens and Greg Vondrak.

Family will receive friends on Monday May 18th from 11am – 1pm at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Elaine’s life will follow at 2 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins, with a luncheon to follow. Elaine will be laid to rest in the Perkins Cemetery. Elaine’s faith, compassion and gentle strength will live on through her daughter, grandchildren and family.

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Demeuse family. Donations may be made in her name to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Perkins, MI. To offer an online message of sympathy, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com