Charlotte L. McElwain
Charlotte Louise McElwain, 89, died May 20, 2015, at the
Pleasant View Home, in Inman, KS. She was born in Halstead, Kansas on October
23, 1925. She was one of ten children born to Percy and Aimee (Matlack)
Collins.
She attended Burrton High School and graduated in 1944. On
July 27, 1944, she married her high school sweetheart Robert (Bob) Keith
McElwain in Wichita Falls, Texas, as he prepared at a young age to join the
conflict of World War II. Charlotte and Bob had three children; Linda, Toni and
Robert (Chuck). Bob and Charlotte made their home in Arkansas City and later
Marion, KS. Charlotte was a mother and homemaker while raising their children
and later worked at Farmers and Drovers National Bank in Marion as a bank
teller. They returned to Burrton, KS and built their own home after the
children were gone. Charlotte was a member of the Burrton United Methodist
Church and served as treasurer for several years. She spent her spare time
reading and working on her needlepoint and quilting projects, traveling to
spend time with her children and families, and being a constant support to her
family and neighbors and especially her mother in law, Genevieve McElwain.
After Bob died on September 17, 1984, Charlotte spent time
with her children and grandchildren. She traveled the United States, Guatemala,
Australia, and Ireland. Charlotte's quiet demeanor belied her strength and
adventurous spirit. Whether driving a three wheeler over the steep edge of a
sand pit or traveling a mile from shore in a small canoe off the coast of
Belize, or throwing herself to the floor of an Irish castle to kiss the Blarney
Stone, we were amazed at her adventurous character and resolve. Patient,
gracious, and loving, she celebrated her family her entire life taking joy in
each day until her last. Charlotte is survived by: her daughters, Linda Ewert,
Billings, Montana, Toni Loewen and husband Richard, Hutchinson, KS; son, Robert
(Chuck) McElwain and wife Dina, Alturas, California; grandchildren, Shannon and
husband Dirk, Montana, Shane and wife Robbyn, Montana, Matthew Loewen,
Colorado, Rachael Loewen, Kansas, Jess Wills and wife Leah, California, Colleen
(McElwain) Dischiave and husband Dave, New York, Zachary McElwain, California;
six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Ehrich, Yorba Linda, California.
She was preceded in death by her parents Percy and Aimee,
husband Bob, five brothers, three sisters and son-in-law Wayne Ewert.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2015,
at the Burrton United Methodist Church, Burrton, with the Reverend Kim Benson
presiding. Burial will be in Burrton Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. Tuesday with the family to receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., at Elliott
Mortuary, Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burrton
United Methodist Church in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson,
KS 67501.
1925 - 2015 (89 years)