Elaine Thompson Openshaw, 68 , passed away March 18th, 2021, peacefully in her sleep at home.
Elaine was Born July 16th 1952 to James and Fern Thompson. She was the fourth child of six. She was a shy little girl that came out of her shell when she found cheerleading. She attended Payson High School, where she found and met her soul mate, Mike Openshaw in the 9th grade. They dated each other all throughout high school, and when it was time for Mike to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she not only waited for him, but she lived with Mike’s mother, Della, after her family moved to Idaho. Elaine and Mike were married December 14th 1973 in the Manti Temple.
Mike and Elaine made their home in Payson, where their family grew to include four rambunctious little boys that were the apple of their eyes. Eventually, Elaine would become the Payson City Treasurer, where she worked until she retired, after a successful career of 25 years.
Elaine was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where she served in many different capacities. She lived her life full of love and charity, including working at the Payson Temple. She missed her volunteer time after the temple closed down last March. She knew how important the work on this side of the veil was and loved helping those who were helping their family on the other side.
Elaine is survived by her sons Justin (Krista) Openshaw, Payson UT; Mike (Karie) Openshaw, Henderson NV; Roger (Jana) Openshaw, Santaquin UT; and Adam (Kenzi) Openshaw, Grand Rapids, MI. She is also survived by her brothers Brent (Rosmarie) Thompson, Santaquin UT; David (Janice) Thompson, Spokane, WA; Sandra (Gary) Bowen, Evanston WY; Susan (Dale) Costa, Kellogg, ID; and Blake Thompson Santaquin, Ut. Elaine and Mike were the proud grandparents to 18 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Their grandchildren were their pride and joy, and they showed them how much they loved them every chance they got.
Elaine was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Mike, by both her Father and her Mother, James & Fern Thompson, her grandson Griffey Openshaw, and her mother-in-law Della Openshaw.
Elaine and her spirit are going to be greatly missed, not only by her family, but by the many friends she has made over the years. Even though we are sad now, we celebrate the knowledge that she and Mike are together again, and will be together for eternity.
Services honoring Elaine will begin with a viewing, open to the public, on Tuesday, March 23rd from 6:00-8:00 pm at Walker Mortuary, 587 S. 100 W. Payson. A family funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 24th at 10:00 am with a viewing preceding the funeral at 9:00 am at the Summit Ridge 5th Ward building at 90 S. 200 E. in Santaquin, Utah. For those unable to attend the funeral, you may virtually attend using the following zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/96977087120
5 Condolences for Elaine Thompson Openshaw
Condolences(5)
Joyce Reese says
March 21, 2021 at 10:10 pmI am so sorry to hear of Elaine’s sudden passing. I worked with her at the temple on Fridays and enjoyed getting to know her. She had such a cute, mischievous smile. I will miss her. I know she must be very happy to be reunited with her hubby!
My condolences go out to her beloved family.
Connie Carrasco says
March 22, 2021 at 5:40 amA mother’s love is the greatest gift we receive. You were all so blessed to have such a caring lady to call Mother. I always enjoyed talking to your mom when I would see her in town and I have lots of special memories of her. She was a special lady. May all your wonderful memories of your mom comfort you all at this time. My prayers are with you in this time of grief.
Ranon Wilks says
March 23, 2021 at 5:20 pmSo sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing. I worked with Elaine at the temple.. She had such a sweet spirit about her. My condolences to her loved ones. May the memories you carry of her be a balm to your hearts at this time.
Wendy Pope says
March 24, 2021 at 7:08 pmSending condolences to the entire family. Elaine was always such a good example to me. Mike and Elaine were always such a cute couple and loved each other dearly. Imagine that reunion. May the Comforter be near and fill your hearts with peace. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for getting to have such a good woman to influence our lives.
Diane G Hansen says
March 24, 2021 at 11:10 pmElaine will be greatly missed at the Temple. Her sweet smile and kind words were a calming influence. Blessings of peace to Elaine’s family.
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