Elaine Laverne King

February 19, 1925 - December 28, 2025

Surrounded by her loved ones, Elaine LaVerne King passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on December 28. 2025, at the home of daughter Lori in Bakersfield, CA.

Elaine was Born in Seward, Nebraska to Yence Edward Nelson and Anna Catherine (Swanson) Nelson. Her loving family included two older sisters, Mildrid and Vivian, and the family enjoyed the small town way of life. Elaine graduated from Seward High School and then pursued and obtained a Cosmetology license. More importantly and impacting, she met Richard Downing King, the absolute love of her life and future husband of 68 wonderful years of marriage, until his passing.

Elaine and Richard (who went by the name Dick) were engaged in 1943 during the middle of WWII. Dick enlisted in the Army Air Corps (now known as the Air Force) and flew 35 missions as a Belly-Gunner in a B-24 Liberator over Italy. Elaine also did her part for the war effort and moved to Fresno, CA to be a “Rosie the Riveter” at Lockheed, working on the tail sections of P-38 Lightning Fighters. After 9 months at Lockheed she suffered a substantial injury that would require a back fusion surgery, a poor outcome of which could have meant paralysis. Not wanting to “saddle” Dick with a possible paraplegic, Elaine wrote a “Dear John” letter to Dick calling off the engagement, but withholding the reason because she knew that if Dick knew the truth he wouldn't call it off. Thankfully the surgery went well, and Elaine was going to be fine, so she wrote to her love again explaining the whole situation, and asked if he was still willing to be engaged with her. He said “Yes,” and they were married on his next leave of absence. This is just one example of the type of selfless love that Elaine showed to others. She exemplified Jesus’ unconditional love, care, and concern for all.

After the war, Dick and Elaine moved to Kingsburg, CA where Dick began his career as a machinist. Their next move was to Delano, CA, where Dick continued as a machinist, eventually owning his own machine shop and with Elaine as a homemaker, raising their 3 children with devotion, love, and commitment. Their Christian faith was always of primary importance, and the family was highly involved with local churches, keeping Christ at the center of their lives. When the children were older, Elaine began a 20 year career with the Delano Union School District. As a family they enjoyed numerous camping trips and became quite skilled water skiing with their boat. Always adventurous, Elaine and Dick loved to travel and through the years managed to visit every US National Park, along with globe trotting the world with their friends. After retiring, and to be close to family, they moved to Visalia, and later in 1991 to Bakersfield. Elaine remained in that house independently through age 97. In 2022, although not officially a Veteran, Elaine was honored for her service as a “Rosie the Riveter” by going on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC. She had an incredible experience and was deeply humbled to consider that what she did at Lockheed all those years ago had impacted so many. In 2024 she was again honored in the Bakersfield Veteran’s Parade, riding in a vintage Model T. Throughout all of her years, Elaine had such a zest for life, and would welcome all sorts of activities and outings with friends and family. She was always lovingly competitive, whether golfing, playing ping pong, working at physical therapy after suffering 2 debilitating strokes, or playing cards, or dominoes. Elaine would give it her all and enjoy every minute of it! Her spirit for life and her unconditional love for her family and friends is her legacy, and we are at peace knowing that she is rejoicing in Heaven after hearing from Christ, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Richard King, their 1st child William Ross King, her sisters Mildred Bluhm and Vivian Schauland. Elaine is survived by her son David (Joyce) King of Clovis, CA, daughters Sheryl (Greg) Gallion and Lori (Don) VanSickel, both of Bakersfield, CA; grandchildren: Julie (Brian) Sheufelt, Amy (John) Yapp, Chris (Rosie) King, Sean VanSickel, Courtney VanSickel, Logan (Katie) VanSickel, and Kayla (Reagan) Wiggs; 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 31st at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 4600 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93309. Elaine will be interned, alongside her husband Richard, at the Bakersfield National Cemetery during a private family service.