On March 24, 2023, at 12:05 p.m., Elaine Durheim went to be with her Heavenly Father. 

Elaine was born March 23, 1945, to Varlie and Yvonne Pittman in Caldwell, Idaho. She was the youngest of three children. She is survived by her husband Larry of 49 plus years; twin daughters, Christine (Greg) Case and Crystal (Jim) Hammon; six grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. 

On Dec. 23, 1973, she married the love of her life, Larry, and six months later they relocated to Hines, where they resided for the next 36 years. In 2010 they returned to Idaho.

During her lifetime she had a variety of professions, including Boise school district accounts payable clerk, bank teller, print shop employee, and Hallmark business owner. During this time, she earned the prestigious “Business Person of the year” award for Harney County Oregon, as well as being selected as the Chamber of Commerce President for Harney County. During this time she was also the Chairman for the Harney County hot air balloon rally. 

Her passion was people. This was expressed through things like fostering children, mentoring young teenage girls, led children’s Bible quizzing, taught high school Sunday School, church missionary president, church treasurer, church board member, and mentoring young women. She was part of the quilting ministry, greeting ministry, and so much more. She loved people wherever she was serving, including standing in line anywhere and would freely share the gospel with anyone who would listen!

She enjoyed the great outdoors, camping, traveling, but most of all her family. She loved playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren including wrestling with them and running through the sprinkler even in her 70’s!. Anything that made them smile! Her greatest joy was serving others in so many ways. 

In her last four years she wrote over 800 encouragement etc. cards and made over 400 knit stocking caps that are distributed around the valley. She was never content to sit idly by but wanted to serve others continuously. All of this while she was fighting multiple myeloma cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

In her last days her concern was for others, not herself, but she is now at peace at the feet of Jesus whom she served with all of her heart. Goodbye just for now; we will see you soon! 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Ave. So. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So. where an online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hands of Hope Northwest, 1201 So. Powerline Rd., Nampa, Idaho 83686.