Elaine J. Florence

Elaine J. Florence, age 78 of Crystal, ND passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at her home in Crystal. Elaine J. Rike was born January 28, 1935 in Edinburg, ND, the daughter of the late Theodore and Alma (Lundgren) Rike. She grew up and attended school there, graduating from Gardar High School. She was united in marriage to Gerald Edward Florence in April of 1954 in Edinburg, ND. The couple made their home there for several years before moving to California. He passed away in 1971 and she began living with her daughter in Washington. She later attended cosmetology school in Concord, CA, and lived and worked in various places in California and Washington. She retired from care taking and cosmetology in 2004 and moved back to North Dakota to be closer to her daughter. She was a former member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg. Elaine is survived by her children: Joan (Corey Sapa) Curry, Crystal, ND, Dale Florence, Fort Collins, CO, grandsons: Daniel Curry, Robert (Christine) Curry, Matthew Florence, great granddaughter AmyLee Curry, sisters: Evelyn Rike, Crystal, ND, Thelma (Don) Kurtz, Mesa, AZ, Ardis Rike, Granger, TX, and brothers: Larry (Alva) Rike, Mesa, AZ, and Bobby (Audrey) Rike, Mesa, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Edward Florence, brothers Jerome Rike, Vernon Rike, and twin sister Eleanor Walski. Memorial service will be Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Lutheran Church of Hoople. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery of Edinburg.