Elaine/Laney was born in Dallas, Texas, June 24, 1941, to parents Isabelle and John Vance Rich.

Her family landed in Atoka, Oklahoma around 1945 after WW2. She grew up there taking voice lessons, working at the bus station her parents owned, cheering on the Atoka wampus cats and chasing Elvis. One of her stories included her skipping school and hiding to meet Elvis in the bus station bathroom. He was rumored to be coming through town via the bus that day. He did not.

After graduating high school in 1959, she left for William Woods College in Missouri then on to The University of Oklahoma. While in college she joined the Chi Omega sorority, which she loved. She also met the love of her life! She and Ed were set up by friends and were married in 1963 after their graduation. She then went on to get her master’s degree in special education.

After Ed graduated law school, Ed was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, then to Augusta, Georgia and then on to Washington D.C. She loved telling stories of her times there.

After having their two girls, Cindy and Julie, they moved to Muskogee. Four years later they had their last child, John.

Muskogee brought many wonderful years of friendships, jobs and various clubs around town.

In 1980, Elaine received her license to be a nursing home administrator. She worked in and owned nursing homes around the state of Oklahoma for over 20 years. Then she went on to own and work in home health and hospice, as well.

She and Ed loved to travel. They traveled the world to over 60 countries. She also traveled on many girls trips.

Elaine leaves behind her husband, Ed; children, Cindy Johnson, Julie Ganter, and John and his wife Monica; brother, John Rich; sister-in-law, Barbara Horn; grandchildren, Lauren Johnson, Vance, Tyler and William Ganter, Zach, Conner, Addison and Austin Gage; great-granddaughter, her namesake, Charlotte Elaine Cyr; and many nieces and nephews.

She will be truly missed by all. The family will have a private family service.