Elayne was born Nov. 20, 1927 in Toledo, Ohio, to Harry and Elizabeth (Bruhn) Gardner. At an early age, she moved with her family to Traverse City, where she had always made her home.
Soon after graduating from Central High School with class of 1945, she began working as a dental assistant for the former Doctor C.R. Bennetts, where she continued working for many years.
On May 23, 1948, Elayne and Harold Cox, of Traverse City, married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where Elayne was a member. Together they had two children, James (Shirley) Cox, of North Carolina, and Peggy (Ron) Dohm, of Traverse City; three grandchildren, Rebecca Cox, of North Carolina, and Ron Jr. and Rob Dohm, of Traverse City.
Elayne was also devoted to her sister's children, Susan Halvorsen, of Traverse City, Judy Vance Romolo, of North Carolina, and William (Jo) Vance, of North Carolina. Elayne is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Lila (Dean) Stover, of Comstock Park, Ethel (Bill) Kunze, of Traverse City, and Lucille (Rex) Cox, of Cass City; and many other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by parents; husband; a sister, Helen Ann Vance Meehan; and a brother at an early age, Harry Jr.
Elayne requested no services be held. Burial will be at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Special thanks and consideration are given to the Aspen staff at Grand Traverse Pavilions.
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