Ruth Elaine Padfield, 72, passed away peacefully at her home in Houston, TX on October 29, 2023. Throughout the final weeks of her life as she battled illness, she was surrounded by her devoted husband, daughter, mother, siblings, family, and friends.
Elaine was born September 30, 1951, in Iuka, MS as the first child of Ruth and Archie Allen. A gifted singer and musician, she was able to sing harmony by age two and was playing the accordion at the age of six. Without formal training, she sang and played piano and accordion with her parents and family in camp meetings, churches, and conferences nationwide. In her early adult years, she taught herself to play the organ and became well-known as an anointed, gospel organist. Elaine never let her struggles define her as she continuously made an impact on others, and she never wavered in her faith and trust in God. Her love for others shined bright for all to see. Throughout her life, she was passionate about her service to God and continued to minister in music at many churches until just weeks before her death.
Elaine was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Archie Allen. She is survived by her loving husband of twenty-three years, Doug Padfield, her mother Ruth Allen, her daughter Shelaine Everhart and husband Shawn, her only grandchild and the light of her life, Ainsley Everhart. She is also survived by her twin sisters, Gayle Cox, Dayle Shockley and husband Stan, stepdaughter Michelle Padfield and numerous nieces and nephews.
Elaine will forever be remembered for her love of God, family, and country. We will never forget her gentleness and radiant smile!
Serving as pallbearers are Andrew Contreras, Gary Broom, Frank Hogan, Danny Davidson, Matthew Godfrey and Rick Postma.
