Elaine Graveley, age 79 of Townsend, Montana gained her heavenly wings in the early morning hours of August 28, 2024. Elaine lived a full and happy life until she passed of natural causes.
Elaine was born in Helena, Montana to Ralph and Goldie Sandon. She was the oldest of three successful children-Elaine, Charles and Bruce. Elaine and her family were raised in Ronan. With the passing of Ralph, they chose to move to Helena to be closer to family where she attended St. Helena’s Grade School. Elaine then attended the Cathedral her freshman year of high school. At which time, the family moved to Townsend between her freshman and sophomore year as the children gained a new father, Robert Sullivan, in their lives. After graduating from Broadwater County High School, Elaine attended Carroll College for one year studying elementary education.
Having met the love of her life in high school, she chose to leave college and marry Bob Graveley on June 19, 1965. With their union, they added four wonderful children and spent their life farming and ranching in Broadwater County.
Elaine always had a true love of giving to others as well as a love of rodeo; for over a half century. Elaine started her career in rodeo by becoming the editor of the “Chute Boss”, which was the official newsletter for the Montana Rodeo Association. She later was elected and served several terms as the Secretary/Treasurer during her terms, she traveled the state in order to secretary many rodeos and meet new friends along the way. At this same time, Elaine was also elected as Secretary of the Broadwater Rodeo and Fair Association. Elaine proudly held the position as the longest serving secretary for the association. Elaine was hired as the first Broadwater County Fair Manager. Because she held these positions, she played a key role in combining the fair and rodeo into one large weekend; making it what it is today. All of this service was done while raising a family of four and working full time jobs.
Elaine had another passion that was about to take off…she loved politics. Elaine became a valuable member of the staff at the Montana Senate from 1979-1990, and was elected Broadwater County Clerk and Recorder and Superintendent of Schools from 1990-2001. During that time, she was elected and served four terms as the Treasurer of the Montana Clerk and Recorders Association. She later served as the Montana Deputy Secretary of State, under Bob Brown, from 2001-2007, when she retired from that post. That retirement was a short stint as the political bug was pulling at her. Elaine was elected and served as a Broadwater County Commissioner from 2007-2016, when she retired for health reasons.
During her life, Elaine was honored in the Who’s Who multiple times and chosen as Woman of the Year in 1999. As a member of Farm Bureau for many years, Elaine was awarded the Woman of the Year for the Farm Bureau. In 2021 Elaine was awarded the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame Western Lady of the Year. Elaine enjoyed spending her free time reading, creating beautiful bouquets of flowers, following her grandkids and cheering for the Denver Broncos.
Elaine was a deep believer in her faith and was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church. She spent many years as a member of the Broadwater Cattlewomen and the Farm Bureau. Elaine was also an active member of the Broadwater Republican Party.
Elaine was preceded in death by her mother Goldie Sullivan, and her fathers Ralph Sandon and Robert Sullivan. She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 59 years, her daughter Lisa (Chuck) Larson of Townsend, her son TJ (Wendy) of Townsend, her daughter Kristen (Tony) Lamping of Montana City, her son Jared (Jessica) of Townsend, her brother Charles (Kate) of Sequim, Washington and her brother Bruce (Janeen) of Kennewick, Washington. Along with her husband, children and brothers, Elaine is also survived by ten grandchildren; Meagan Poe, Jaden and Cody Graveley, Tori Ogolin, Alex Birkeland, Sydney, Tucker and Jordan Lamping, Myla and Blair Graveley and three great-grandchildren; Haedyn, James and Brantley Poe. She is survived by a multitude of cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews, each of whom holds a special place in her heart.
A viewing in honor of Elaine will be conducted for friends and family on Thursday, September 5th from 4-6 pm at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 212 Broadway St. Following the viewing, the Rosary will be recited at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 6:30 pm. A Christian Mass will be held Friday, September 6 at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church located at 101 S. Walnut, Townsend, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Elaine’s name are suggested to Broadwater Rodeo & Fair at P.O. Box 417, Townsend or Holy Cross Catholic Church at P.O. Box 610, Townsend.
The family of Elaine would like to thank all who cared for her at Billings Clinic-Broadwater, and Billings Clinic EMS Service.
We all will remember Elaine’s signature gift of joy; shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and easy manner. We love and will miss our wife, mom, grandma, and great grandma.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 5, 2024
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 6, 2024
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Friday September 6, 2024
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday September 6, 2024
Broadwater County Fair Grounds
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 5, 2024
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 6, 2024
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Friday September 6, 2024
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday September 6, 2024
Broadwater County Fair Grounds
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Deena Verworn says
Bob, TJ, Lisa, Jarred , Kristen and the rest of the Gravely Family,
My heart hurts for all of you for the loss of your loved one.
I first met Elaine over 30+ years ago and have treasured her friendship and sincere graciousness. I have so many memories of our visits over the years. I will miss her beautiful smile and gentle heart. Over the years she shared her family with me, and how very proud she was of all of them, what a legacy.
Rest in Peace my friend…
Rest in Peace my friend…
Leigh Ann Corcoran says
Bob and family…we are so very sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. We only met her in person a few years ago but I have talked with her a number of times on the phone. She was such a joyful gal with a wonderful personality. We became acquainted through the trucking business; Bob & Elaine were both wonderful to deal with over the years. I so enjoyed my short little visits with them. Our sympathy goes out to you all as you learn to navigate life without this dearest lady. Blessings to each of you!
Leigh Ann & Bill Corcoran
Meagan Flynn-Mesmer says
So sorry to read this. All our love to the whole family. Just a wonderful lovely lady 🙁
Jim Webb says
Elaine was a special person! She was my classmate in high school and my friend for 65 years! She was a constant in a world of change. You could always count of Elaine to be there through times of celebration as well as times of sadness! I grieve for her and her family!
LOIS HILL says
So many great rodeo memories with Elaine and her family. my love and prayers are with all of them.
Jerry and Kitty Ryan says
Bob and family there is a beautiful soul in the arms of Jesus. You have not lost her she will always be in your heart. Townsend will miss her she has been an icon with the rodeo and so many friends God Bless you all
Judy Rolfe says
I am by so sorry to learn of Elaine’s passing. I so enjoyed working with her at the Secretary of States Office when we both worked for Bob Brown. She had tremendous knowledge of how Montana Elections worked, she was a valuable asset to our Executive Team, and a heck of a lot of fun too!
Eileen Flynb says
I am so sorry for your loss she was a wonderful lady and will be so missed in many circles is life. Hugs for all!
Eileen Flynn
Dick Lyman says
Elaine was amazing woman. Lots of rodeo memories of her and Bob, in the good old days…
Hugs to you all. Dick and Terrie Lyman
LINDA VAUGHEY says
My path often crossed with Elaine’s during the time I worked in State Government. What a kind and gentle soul she was …. and always knowledgeable and helpful. My sincere condolences to her family and friends; may her memory be a blessing.
Jann Parker says
Many memories working with Elaine on all things rodeo! Loved her steady, solid way of resolving issues and appreciated her guidance and mentorship. Rest In Peace, Elaine.
Doug Clark says
Never meet a nicer lady and what she gave to the sport of rodeo
Della Dobbins says
I’m saddened to hear of Elaine’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and inspired me in many ways. She was a great boss at the Secretary of states office. She was a dear friend to me. Keep all your memories close to your heart ❤️ I will always treasure our friendship my friend. 😘
Sara ( Margie) Graveley says
Bobby and family,
So very hard to lose such a wonderful , beautiful , kind and valued member of the community . She was a gem !
Sending warm thoughts and many prayers to your tender hearts at this sad time . Much love from your extended family .
Teresa Graham says
Bob and family, words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of Elaine. Some I was a young girl I always admired her for her beauty and kindness. She was an inspiration for all young Townsend women with her amazing work ethic and genuine love for the community. She will be missed on earth but heaven has a beautiful angel to watch over all of her beloved family. Gods blessings for you all.
Tootie and Stan Rasmussen says
Condolences to the family. We always counted Elaine among our friends and treasured that friendship. Hugs!
SallyJane Brothers says
Elaine was the nice lady and friend always so great to visit with her at the rodeos RIP
Teena no Leanhart says
To Bob and all of your family and friends….
May God Bless you all as you walk through this journey of grief, knowing that Elaine is in God’s Grace and now watching over you until you meet again.🙏
Your family and friends are in my prayers and my hugs to each of you…..
God’s plans are never ours, but always to believe in 🙏❤️ Amen🙏
Tom & Patti Holland says
Bob and the entire family. What a lady she always was. Everything she did ? She helped with all those involved. She was a great secretary to me when I served back in the day as president of the Montana Rodeo Assoc. She kept track of all members , standings, results, turn outs, fines !! And she was always right . Always pleasant in the line of fire too. All in all , what a wife, what a mom , what a grandma. She’ll be missed by family , many friends across Montana.
Jessica (DeHaan) Bauman says
Elaine was a tremendous influence in my life, my heart goes out to you Bob, Lisa, TJ, Kristen, Jared, and family. May all of the blessings of sweet memories bring you peace and comfort.
Bill &Donna Simmons says
From our family to yours, We are the carpet cleaner ‘s from Helena. I knew Elaine by phone only, and I always appreciated her kindness. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We understand the pain of losing your loved one. We pray for the comfort of our Lord to be with you all. Blessings to you.
Gail Huls fbo Peggy Tate says
From Peggy Tate and family: Peggy was so sorry to hear of the passing of Elaine and her prayer’s are with Bob and family. May memories give some comfort. God Bless
Carol G Dagenais says
Bob and Family, it is so hard to say ,”Farewell” to such a bright spirit. Elaine’s special light continues to warm our hearts and brighten our paths as we recount cherished memories. She is always in our hearts. With love, Carol Ann (Graveley) Dagenais
Art Graham says
I send my condolences to Elaine’s family and friends. Elaine’s children can be very proud of Elaine’s decades of public service. She was always helpful, diligent, and professional in her tasks. I enjoyed many short visits with Elaine over the years as I saw her at the Capitol, Secretary of State’s Office and Office of the Broadwater Clerk and Recorder. She held the respect of those she served and colleagues both for her professionalism and friendly nature. Godspeed to all as you enter the journey to follow.
Sharon Doig says
I am so sorry to hear of this wonderful women. She when was a beautiful lady inside and outside. I loss my Mom and she wasvery young. But I pray for you and family and I have a strong faith I will see her again along with my Mom, dad, sister and brother and all my other family members. I will hadher and family to my nightly prayers. I regret I will be unable to attend.