Elaine Tesky

Elaine Tesky, 52, Stafford, VA, passed away Friday, March 25, 2005 at her home after a three year battle with cancer.

Elaine Marie Elhard was born on November 20, 1952 in Jamestown North Dakota the daughter of Epharim and Erna (Rousch) Elhard. She attended school in Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown High School in 1971. She entered the LPN program at North Dakota State School of Science, graduating in 1972.

Elaine married Ernest Tesky of rural Ypsilanti, ND on May 27, 1972 at the First Congregational Church in Jamestown, ND. They moved to Colorado where Ernie was employed. She was employed by the Bebee Clinic in Fort Collins, CO for 5 years. While in Ft. Collins, Elaine and Ernie's 2 children, Corinne and Jeramie, were born. Elaine was baptized as a member of the Ft. Collins Seventh Day Adventist Church and was very involved with church activities.

Elaine and family moved to Cheyenne, WY in 1980 when her husband was transferred by his employer. She was employed by the Cheyenne Orthopedic Clinic. She continued her activities with the SDA church, and was involved with the SDA school that her children attended.

In 1983, Elaine and Ernie incorporated as ETKFC, Inc., leased and operated a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Salina, KS. Along with helping with the business, Elaine remained active in the Salina SDA church, SDA school, and the children's youth group. She was also employed fulltime with the Salina Ophthalmology Clinic.

In 1986 Ernie moved again with family to Pierre, SD. Fully enjoying her children growing to adults, she remained active with the SDA church and the many friends that her children would bring through her life. She continued to work as a LPN at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre. She also attended the A.D.N. program at Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD, receiving her RN license in 1993.

In 1995, with children grown, Elaine and Ernie moved to Stafford, VA. She took a position as a RN at Mt. Vernon Hospital in Alexandria, VA. She joined the Woodbridge SDA Church.

Elaine enjoyed being with her family for the many ""day trips"", ski trips, fishing trips and church trips. On Sabbath days she would enjoy trips with her family to nearby state parks to hike and enjoy a special closeness with God.

She loved antiques, auctions, thrift stores and crafting. Her house is filled with mementoes from the many trips she would take with Ernie. While in Virginia, she fell in love with the many historic places nearby and would marvel at how ""God inspired"" this country's founding fathers were. She loved the renewal of spring and the colors of fall. She was well aware of God's creation.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Ernest Tesky, Stafford, VA; mother, Erna Elhard, Bismarck, ND; two children, Corinne (Todd) Schmoker, Pingree, ND and Jeramie (Diana) Tesky, Casper, WY; six grandchildren, Danielle and Samantha Schmoker, Pingree, ND and Jacob, Annabelle, Allyson and Jonas Tesky, Casper, WY; one brother, Ed Elhard, Miles City, MT and two sisters, Eileen Elhard, Bismarck, ND and Ellen (Bill) Klenn, Bozeman, MT.

She was preceded in death by her father, Epharim Elhard.

Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 2, 2005 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Jamestown with Pastor Barbara Murray officiating.

Visitation: 1:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, April 1, 2005 at the Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, North Dakota.

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown, North Dakota.

On-line guestbook at eddyfuneralhome.com.