Elaine M. Kuhl

Blessed mother, wife, daughter, grandmother and aunt passed away on May 30, 2010 at Sacred Heart Hospital. Elaine was a compassionate caregiver to friends, family and in the nursing profession. She was born July 17, 1936 to John and Vivian Fothergill in Plummer, Idaho. The family moved to Spokane in 1944, where Elaine graduated from North Central High School. On July 17, 1955, she celebrated her 19th birthday by marrying Dennis R. KuhI at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Spokane. She was a devoted Navy wife, traveling with her husband to assignments in California, Hawaii, Maryland and Alaska. Elaine shared her talents as a Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Troop Leader while raising her three children, In 1972, the family returned to Spokane when Dennis retired from the Navy. With children all in school, Elaine was finally able to pursue her lifelong ambition to become a nurse. After a year of hard work, Elaine obtained her nursing certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Spokane Community College in 1975. She loved her career in nursing, working in the Advanced Care Unit of Deaconess Hospital in Spokane and Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. Dennis and Elaine eventually retired and returned home to Spokane in 1992. They were able to enjoy many years together, taking short trips in their motor home to Montana and frequent visits to Priest Lake for boating, relaxation and huckleberry picking. Elaine was loving and selfless, always caring for and worrying about everyone else. Elaine is survived by her husband Dennis, at the home; daughter Susan (Dave) Bula; sons Scott (Shannon) KuhI and Kevin KuhI; mother, Vivian Fothergill, all of Spokane; three grandchildren Tami Spencer, Seattle, Molly and Connor Kuhl, Spokane. Other survivors Include two sisters, Joan (Bud) Gibson, Chattaroy; Adele (Ned) Olson, Washougal; brother Howard (Opal) Fothergill, Chehalis, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, John Fothergill and son, John Leonard Kuhl. Elaine leaves behind many friends from nursing, exercise classes at Corbin Senior Center and members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. A memorial will be held Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 2:00 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7303 N Nevada, Spokane.