ELAINE RUTH MARTIN, beloved wife of the late Ken Martin, of Picture Butte, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly on Friday, April 21, 2023 at the age of 79 years old. 

Elaine is survived by her brothers - Gordon (Sheila), Norman (Mary Ann), Leslie (Kathy), Larry (Penny), her brother-in-law David (Ellie), and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Elaine Ruth Martin, (née Elford), was born on a glorious day in Lethbridge - September 26,1943, the same day her great-grandfather died in Cremona, AB. Elaine was raised by her parents, David and Joyce Elford, on the family farm - homesteaded in 1910 - in the County of 40 Mile, near Foremost. She took her early schooling there, finishing high school at Camrose Lutheran College and then, on to LCC. She was receptionist for Ellison Milling in Lethbridge before moving to Edmonton to work at the University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering.  

Elaine married Kenneth Martin in 1969 and they moved to Picture Butte in 1985. Elaine was a very active volunteer in the community and through her church - Trinity United. She loved gardening and spending time with her siblings, friends and family. She loved adventure and travel, spending many winters in Hawaii & Arizona.  

Some of Elaine's points of pride were reporting the data from the weather station in her backyard every morning (when not traveling), since 1998, being chosen Picture Butte Citizen of the Year in 2003, volunteering for many local projects, committees and her overall pride in the town of Picture Butte. Of course, her 52-year marriage to Ken was the highlight.  

A Funeral Service will be held at TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, 528 Maple Crescent, Picture Butte, AB, on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Glenda Wert officiating. A Reception will follow at the Picture Butte Community Seniors Centre, 607 Hwy Ave N. 

In lieu of flowers donations could be made to Trinity United Church or Coyote Flats Pioneer Village (etransfers may be made to prairietractor@gmail.com or Box 768, Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0)