Elaine grew up on a cattle ranch east of Hermosa – one of the families in the Battle Creek Community.  She was the youngest of the four children of Walter (Bub) and Margaret Phelps.  Her favorite times were out helping her dad on the ranch.  She learned to ride, fix fence and herd cattle and was a true cowgirl.  Entertainment was playing outside with friends and pets, ice skating and exploring everything that moved in and on the banks of Battle Creek.

She attended a one room school for the first eight years of her life and graduated from Rapid City High School.

Later in life she was a remarkable horsewoman who could "gentle" a horse rather than break one to ride.  She trained and rode several barrel-racing horses for competition.  No matter where she lived in the many places she called home, she always found a way to be with horses.

Elaine had a special way with all animals and used those talents as a vet tech, groomer and animal shelter worker.  Animals from tiny newborn kittens to full grown tigers were cared for by this special lady.  In addition she showed great compassion for elderly humans as a home health care worker and Meals on Wheels employee

She had a natural ability to see the positive in everyone and every situation.  Being able to pick herself up when life wasn't always fair and start over was a real talent – one that the people who knew her greatly admired!

She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Jean, Walt and Mickey.  She is survived by her three children, sons Clint and Eric and daughter Chris.