Elaine Fentress

With a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous smile that we’ll never forget, Elaine (Dawson) Fentress aged 77, left the building – or should we say garden – on March 24, 2024. She was born to Gilbert and Dorothy (Schwarz) Dawson on January 12, 1947, in Colby, Kansas, it quickly became apparent that the world had gained a splash of sparkle and a dab of delight.

Elaine’s legacy includes a bouquet of family members who flourished in her care: Michele Dawson, Anita Brougher, Patricia and her husband Patrick Keyes, and her cherished granddaughter Kathryn Fentress, who Elaine often joked was the ‘blossom’ of her eye. Grandson Mason Brougher and great-granddaughters Alexandria and Marceline Yeagley also added to her garden of joy. Her sister Mona Ferol and brother-in-law Frank Powers, along with her brother Marvin Dawson, will continue to share stories of Elaine’s adventures in laughter.

Elaine has taken her final bow, ahead of her were her parents, her trio of sons, Troy Jason Wayne, Blaine Michael, and Aaron Kit – as well as her brothers, Dennis and Gilbert “Blackie” Dawson.

As a master of many arts, Elaine could often be found with her hands in the soil, her heart in the kitchen, and her imagination in the world of crafts. An alumnus of Oakley High School she could turn a phrase, a garden plot, or a recipe into a work art with the same ease.

A celebration of life will be held April 8, 2024, from 1-3 pm at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. In memory of Elaine, the family suggests memorials may be made to Oakley Public Library or to Baalmann Mortuary to help with her final expenses and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.

Elaine, for all the laughter and love you’ve planted in our lives, we raise our spades to you. May your next adventure be as vibrant and enchanting as you were.