Elaine Elfie (Holmquist) Shumaker

Elaine Elfie (Holmquist) Shumaker was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 25, 1930 to Ruth E. Swanson and John T. Holmquist. She was the youngest of seven children, with three brothers, Allen, Russell, and Bernard, and three sisters, Eleanor, Lorraine, and LaVerne, all of whom preceded her in death.

Elaine attended Roseland Christian School until 8th grade and Morgan Park High School. She also attended Chicago Conservatory of Music from age 8 through high school, with the high school years with Geno Monaco. (Recommended by Bev Shea who also took lessons from him). Bev was a soloist with Billy Graham.

Elaine sang over the radio station WMBT from the age of 8 through high school. She also did solos in Chicago, Indiana, Minnesota, and on into her adult life. She also sang in the Eutrupia Choir in Chicago and Jews for Jesus radio station in Minneapolis.

After high school, she attended Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota. While there, she sang solos, and was part of a trio and girl's chorus.

While at Bethel, she met her future husband, Carl. They were married on June 14, 1952. He attended bible school in Minneapolis.

After she was married, she moved back to Minnesota while Carl was in the service. After his discharge, they moved to Boulder, then Longmont, and finally Loveland.

Elaine worked for Humble Manufacturing as a bookkeeper, the Boulder Daily Camera as as a publication operator, and lastly, Wardenburg Student Health at the University of Colorado. She retired in 1995 after 35 years. She was also past president of the Boulder Christian Women's Club.

Elaine's husband, Carl, preceded her in death in 2013.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Lynette Owens of Tulane, CA; her son, Donald (Karen) of Longmont, CO; her granddaughters, Jannell, Shannon, and Mary; and step-grandchildren, Jessica and Dillon Fowler. She has many nieces and nephews that were dear to her.

Throughout the years, she prayed that her life would always show Jesus living within her. She also hoped that the words of the songs sung in early years brought many to accept Christ as their personal Savior.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 9:00 am at Howe Mortuary & Crematory, located at 439 Coffman St, Longmont, Colorado.

A Graveside Committal be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:00 am at Mountain View Cemetery, located at 620 11th Ave, Longmont, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Shumaker family.