Elaine Beth Durham, daughter of Lloyd and Alice (Bemiss) Hollenback, passed away on May 6, 2019 at the age of 70. She was born on June 11, 1948 at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, MI. She grew up in Byron, MI. and graduated as valedictorian from Byron High School in 1966. She graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1969 and started her career as a registered nurse. She married Kenneth Robert (Bob) Durham in 1969 and started a family in 1972. Between 1972 and 1999, she lived in Anderson, IN; Shreveport, LA; Kokomo, IN; Milwaukee, WI; and Grand Blanc, MI. She and her husband (Bob) then moved to Oro Valley, AZ in 1999 where she spent her last 20 years.
She retired as a Major from the US Army Reserve in 2008 where she served as a Registered Nurse and was called up for active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She often stated that entering the US Army Reserve was the best decision she ever made. She devoted significant effort in researching her family genealogy going back to before the American Revolution which led to her being accepted in the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Elaine enjoyed playing Canasta, Shanghai, and Mah Jongg with several groups of friends in Oro Valley. She enjoyed traveling all over, from Hawaii and Alaska to Italy and Germany. She enjoyed gardening in the desert which led to her becoming a Master Gardener. Above all, she had an overwhelming love for her family and a regular habit of spoiling her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Bob Durham, her sons Matt and Mark (Jessica) Durham, her grandchildren Quinn, Grant, Cocoa (Shi Tzu), Jack (mix), and CC (Goldendoodle), siblings Nancy (Mike) Wolanin; Fred (Linda); Frank; Dennis (Sandy) and Joe Hollenback.
A visitation will be Tuesday May 14, 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, with a Funeral Service 1:00 PM on Wednesday May 15, 2019 at Marana Mortuary Chapel. Burial is pending at this time.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made in her name to either the American Cancer Society or the American Brain Tumor Association.
I am so sorry Bob for the loss of your wife. May you take the time to breath.
In memory of Mrs. Elaine Beth Durham, Don Jekel lit a candle
Elaine was a wonderful person and I have been blessed as having known her since 1999. I most recall the trips Carol and I took with Elaine and Bob . Elaine and Carol did all the planning while Bob and I enjoyed the trips. Elaine will be missed by all who knew her. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
Love & prayers to all. Please accept our heartfelt condolences! Elaine will be missed by all who knew her.
The Hamiltons and Kilbreaths in Michigan sends our thoughts and prayers to the Durham and Hollenback families
Having met Elaine in 1999 in the Newcomers Club of Tucson, where she served on the Board as Secretary and Treasurer of that club, and later in those positions with the Newcomer Alums, I was always impressed with her energy, and willingness to be involved. Elaine always had a twinkle in her blue eyes, smile on her face, indomitable spirit, and wonderful sense of humor along with her quick wit. I had the fortune to spend a lot of time with her around tables - playing MahJongg, cards, and attending luncheons. Then later, taking Line Dance classes together. We shared laughter, and stories about our families especially grandchildren. Elaine was so proud of Quinn and Grant, and of course was a devoted grandmother. She may be gone from our sight, but not from our hearts. Caring thoughts are with you, Bob, and the family.
My fondest memory of Elaine was when she taught me how to play Mah Jongg. Many, many hours of fun have followed those days, but I will always think of her in future games. Elaine was a woman of many talents which she shared freely in our Palisades Point community. She will be missed. Walter and I are sorry for her loss.
Our sincerest condolences. Enjoyed playing cards and loved Elaine's scones! She will be truly missed.
Over 30+ years we had experienced so many wonderful memories together. How we enjoyed our sons on the soccer fields from youth through college. Celebrating our sons weddings, sharing our joy of our grandchildren, and especially just spending quality time together catching up on our lives, trials and tribulations over these years. How we will miss this awesome classy lady and all that she believed in. God Bless you Elaine! Bonnie and Ken
I only met Elaine a few times, and it was always with her grandkids! She definitely loved them! My prayers are with her family and she will always be their angel! With Love, The Saks Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of you
Lovely lady, lovely friend. Will always remember our times together in Hawaii, in Northern Arizona, and at our homes in Tucson. And how she loved her card games! Even greater was her love for her family and how proud she was to be a grandma. Heartfelt wishes go out to Bob and family, this day and always.
We have many fond memories being with Elaine. She always had a smile, loved games, and having fun with friends and neighbors. We will sincerely miss her.
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Time: 1:00 pm
February 1, 2006
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
I am so sorry Bob for the loss of your wife. May you take the time to breath.
In memory of Mrs. Elaine Beth Durham, Don Jekel lit a candle
Elaine was a wonderful person and I have been blessed as having known her since 1999. I most recall the trips Carol and I took with Elaine and Bob . Elaine and Carol did all the planning while Bob and I enjoyed the trips. Elaine will be missed by all who knew her. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
Love & prayers to all. Please accept our heartfelt condolences! Elaine will be missed by all who knew her.
The Hamiltons and Kilbreaths in Michigan sends our thoughts and prayers to the Durham and Hollenback families
Having met Elaine in 1999 in the Newcomers Club of Tucson, where she served on the Board as Secretary and Treasurer of that club, and later in those positions with the Newcomer Alums, I was always impressed with her energy, and willingness to be involved. Elaine always had a twinkle in her blue eyes, smile on her face, indomitable spirit, and wonderful sense of humor along with her quick wit. I had the fortune to spend a lot of time with her around tables - playing MahJongg, cards, and attending luncheons. Then later, taking Line Dance classes together. We shared laughter, and stories about our families especially grandchildren. Elaine was so proud of Quinn and Grant, and of course was a devoted grandmother. She may be gone from our sight, but not from our hearts. Caring thoughts are with you, Bob, and the family.
My fondest memory of Elaine was when she taught me how to play Mah Jongg. Many, many hours of fun have followed those days, but I will always think of her in future games. Elaine was a woman of many talents which she shared freely in our Palisades Point community. She will be missed. Walter and I are sorry for her loss.
Our sincerest condolences. Enjoyed playing cards and loved Elaine's scones! She will be truly missed.
Over 30+ years we had experienced so many wonderful memories together. How we enjoyed our sons on the soccer fields from youth through college. Celebrating our sons weddings, sharing our joy of our grandchildren, and especially just spending quality time together catching up on our lives, trials and tribulations over these years. How we will miss this awesome classy lady and all that she believed in. God Bless you Elaine! Bonnie and Ken
I only met Elaine a few times, and it was always with her grandkids! She definitely loved them! My prayers are with her family and she will always be their angel! With Love, The Saks Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of you
Lovely lady, lovely friend. Will always remember our times together in Hawaii, in Northern Arizona, and at our homes in Tucson. And how she loved her card games! Even greater was her love for her family and how proud she was to be a grandma. Heartfelt wishes go out to Bob and family, this day and always.
We have many fond memories being with Elaine. She always had a smile, loved games, and having fun with friends and neighbors. We will sincerely miss her.
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Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.