Elaine Sandra Edwards Bennett was born on October 23, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio. She passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, at the age of 89 years and 9 months, leaving a deep sorrow in the hearts of those who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ilene Edwards.

Elaine is survived by her five children: Jeff (Vicki) Bennett of Siloam Springs, AR; Laurie Galbraith of Tahlequah, OK; Austin (Leslie) Bennett of Tulsa, OK; Marcella Morgan of Las Vegas, NV; Jake (Jessica) Bennett of Bartlesville, OK.

She was the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her beloved brother, Byron Edwards, and his wife, Bernie, of Pennsylvania also survive her, along with their four children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Elaine loved each of her family members deeply, along with countless friends whom she considered family. She always made time to show them how special they were, offering heartfelt encouragement and caring wisdom throughout the years.

During high school, Elaine worked in the mailroom and as a secretary at Standard Oil Company in Cleveland. After graduating, she briefly attended nursing school n Cleveland before enrolling at Ohio University in Athens. She married in 1955 and devoted the next 20 years to being a loving homemaker.

During that time, Elaine became a dedicated student of the Bible, and in may 1972, she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her deep and unwavering faith became the foundation of her life, guiding her through every stage and decision. As a loving and devoted mother, she worked tirelessly to instill that same faith in her children.

In 1976, Elaine relocated to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with her five children. There, she took on several janitorial roles and later  became the Property Manager for Tahlequah Property Management, where her dedication and strong work ethic were deeply appreciated. In time, she moved in with her parents to lovingly care for them in their final years - a role she fulfilled with compassion and grace.

Elain devoted much of her life to sharing her Bible-based faith with others, including Spanish-speaking individuals. She served for many years as a regular pioneer - a full-time Bible teacher - and found great joy in this ministry. In addition, she volunteered extensively with the Regional Building Committee (RBC), a global group of volunteers who construct and renovate Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses. Elaine was especially known and appreciated for her early morning coffee making, faithfully rising before dawn to greet the crew with a hot pot of coffee and a warm smile. Some even joked that the work couldn't start until Elaine had made her brew. She took responsibility seriously, and the crews were always grateful she did.

Elaine had a joyful spirit. She loved to laugh, dance (especially the waltz and polka), and enjoy music - particularly old-time rock and Roy Orbison. Her grandchildren fondly remember riding around town with her while she worked in property management, singing along to music and always stopping at McDonald's for ketchup-less fries.

In 2023, as her health declined, Elaine moved into Heritage Grove Assisted Living Center in Tahlequah, where she continued to live her enduring love, faith, and loyalty to Jehovah God.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 16, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 710 E Ross St., Tahlequah, OK