Elaine Marie Strong, age 94, of Mentor, Ohio and formerly of Chardon, passed away on September 23, 2023, attended by her son Gary Strong and the kind and compassionate Cypress Hospice and Tapestry Wickliffe Senior Living caregivers.

Elaine was born September 20, 1929 at Corey Hospital in Chardon to Evelyn and Roy Rice.  She attended Chardon High School, and met her husband Howard D. Strong, also a Chardon resident, while working together at the old Junction Restaurant.  Howard and Elaine were married June 11, 1949.  Her beloved husband Howard preceded her in death in April 1989.

Elaine grew up in Chardon and enjoyed spending time on family farms with her numerous cousins. She enjoyed family card games, bowling and collecting lighthouse-themed arts and crafts, including her own paintings of favorite lighthouses.  Elaine and Howard spent many joyful years boating on Lake Erie in their Bayliner, fishing for walleye, picnicking and water skiing with the family.  She spent her adult years working in local convenience stores in Chardon and Mentor as a cashier, and concluded her years of customer service at age 87 in the Super Kmart deli in Mentor.  Her loyal deli customers were known to line up to wait for Elaine’s excellent customer care.   When the Super Kmart closed its doors, Elaine reluctantly retired.

Elaine is survived by her three children Gary, Gayle and Gregg (Debbie) Strong; her three grandchildren Kevin (Rebecca) Kersting; Lindsay (Andrew) Berry; and Ryan (Molly) Strong; and her six great grandchildren Nika, Brady, and Wylie Kersting; Bebe and Nash Berry; and Charlie Strong. Elaine is also survived by her younger brother Tom Rice; her siblings Robert Rice and Betty Rice predeceased her.

Elaine will be remembered by her family and friends for her independence and strong will, admirable work ethic, and her unconditional love, caring, and devotion to her family members including her adult children’s spouses, her grandkids and great grandkiddos – always remembering to send one of her thoughtful birthday cards with special notes each and every year.  Elaine embraced new technology and was an avid iPhone and iPad user – texting friends and family, sending and receiving photos, reading books and playing her paint-by-number screens until shortly before her passing.  Her constant presence in our lives will be missed.

The family will receive friends, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.  Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at The Burr Funeral Home, 116 South Street, Chardon, followed by the burial at Chardon Municipal Cemetery.

Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Chardon, Ohio. Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com