Elaine A. Leman
Elaine Annette Leman, 76, of Montrose, Colorado passed away unexpectedly into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, June 28, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born on Aug. 28, 1948 in Plymouth, to Glenn A. and Betty J. (Corl) Eldridge.
Elaine was the daughter of a World War II U.S. Army Combat Veteran with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart and an Indiana country farm-girl. Elaine had two very playful, ornery and funny brothers that she loved very much, Dennis and Kent. Elaine was raised with people she loved and adored immensely in Francesville, a community that embodied its motto “A small town with a big heart.”After graduating from Francesville High School in 1966, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville College in 1970.
In the fall of 1969, when Elaine heard that David Leman became a follower of Jesus Christ while serving in the U.S. Air Force, she sent him a letter of encouragement and their romance began. They kept the U.S. Postal Service busy corresponding. Elaine and David were married on July 31, 1971 at First Baptist Church in Francesville. Elaine was a faithful pastor’s wife for many years. In light of her love for children, she taught elementary students for nearly 40 years. She was a wonderful friend to many and the best friend to her children. Elaine invested and ministered into the lives of numerous people in Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Colorado.
Elaine loved her children. In 1976, while living in Palm Bay, Florida, her son, Brian, was born. She quickly learned Brian was a “High Adventure Kid” as she frequently stated. He would often be taken by his father for a nap. Brian would soon return to his mother saying, “I have Dad asleep. What do you want to do now, Mom?”As Brian grew, his adventures took him around the world, and he would often convince his mother to explore with him in many ways that challenged her. They both loved experiencing and sharing in these adventurous memories together.
Elaine was an American Patriot, U.S. Marine Corps Mom and Brian’s greatest fan during his service-time and deployment to the Middle East. Elaine faithfully committed to what she called “10 o’clock prayers” to the Lord every night for Brian and his platoon, as they were a historic and instrumental piece of the “Tip of the Spear” during the Invasion of Iraq in 2003. Brian has always credited his return home from the war to Prayer Warriors like his mother.
In 1981, Elaine gave birth to her pride and joy, a baby girl, Melissa, in Logansport. They had a very special mother-daughter relationship. She was the best mom for a little girl playing with Cabbage Patch Dolls, Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears; for a teenager navigating growing up; and for an adult dealing with all the ups and downs of life. They delighted in God’s creation together, especially adventurous road trips to the beach and mountains. Elaine enjoyed planning Melissa’s wedding with her and welcoming Kevin into the family. Her unconditional love, Godly wisdom, prayer support and girl talks will be deeply missed.
Elaine cherished her Christian Faith, family, friends, flowers, Florida and flamingos.
The most important aspect of Elaine’s life was her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She is survived by husband David Leman, Montrose, Colorado; son Brian Leman, Montrose, Colorado; daughter Melissa [Kevin] McDaniel, Palisade, Colorado; mother Betty J. (Corl) Eldridge, Francesville; brothers: Dennis [Evelyn] Eldridge, Springfield, Illinois and Kent [Mandy] Eldridge, Francesville; brothers-in-law: Gary [Ruth] Leman, Ft. Wayne, Daniel [Linda] Leman, Francesville, Steven [Wanda] Leman, Monticello and Ron [Patty] DeGraaff, Kokomo; sisters-in-law: Sharon [Garry] Cotner, Winamac and Tina Leman, Francesville; a ridiculous amount of nieces, nephews and cousins; and aunts: Evelyn Corl, Glendale, Arizona and Phyllis [Noble] Heyde, Bremen.
Preceded in death by paternal grandfather Ezra Eldridge; paternal grandmother Lena (Onken) Eldridge Coffel; maternal grandparents: Everett and Bertha (Flory) Corl; father Glenn A. Eldridge; unborn grandchild Baby McDaniel; parents-in-law: Edward and Ruth (Musselman) Leman; brothers-in-law: Howard [Carol] Leman, Timothy Leman and Michael Leman; sisters-in-law: Roberta DeGraaff and Patty Leman; nephews: Justin Leman and Matthew Leman; uncles: Richard [Barbara] Corl, Donald [Marcia] Corl, James [Buelah] Coffel and Raymond [Evelyn] Coffel; and aunts: Ruth [Kenny] Huston and Mary Coffel.
The family invited all to come as they are and join them in celebrating Elaine’s life over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Visitation was from 2-6 p.m., Friday, July 4 and from noon – 2 p.m., Saturday, July 5, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel 230 S. Brooks St. Francesville, IN 47946.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 5 at the funeral home with Pastor Bill McNabney officiating and musical selections performed by Ronnie and Kim Booth.
Burial took place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LifeWise Academy at West Central. Envelopes were available at the funeral home or donations may be made online at give.lifewise.org.
LifeWise Academy’s mission is to reach all students in public schools with the gospel through a high-quality, community-driven released time religious instruction program. This involves providing Bible education during school hours, allowing students to learn about the Bible, discuss the gospel, and experience character development according to LifeWise Academy.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.
(Pulaski County Journal — July 9, 2025)