Elaine L. Lant, 92

Elaine L. Lant “entered into eternal rest” Dec. 29, 2012, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Spencer County, Ind., on July 3, 1920, to Mason and Almarine Lemmons. Growing up on the farm during the Great Depression she learned what it meant to sacrifice for others and to be frugal with her money. She often spoke of being in high school and how her father would give her 50 cents a week for lunches. She would buy a bowl of soup for a nickel each day and saved the rest to help out when times got tough.

Elaine graduated from Booneville High School in 1938, and continued her education at Lockyears Business College. She was employed as an accountant at the Evansville Container Corporation.

On Feb. 24, 1946, she married Norman Edward Lant. In their 41 years of marriage they worked and traveled all over the country. They farmed in southern Indiana for a time and worked in the oil fields of West Texas where they raised their two sons, Mike and Jim, often moving every three to six months. As the oil boom declined they moved to northern New Mexico, working for the Bureau of Reclamation. It was here their third son, Jef, was born.

In 1968 the family moved to Northwestern Montana to work for the Bureau of Reclamation at Hungry Horse Dam in the Flathead Valley. While in Montana, they purchased their first permanent home and settled down. Elaine later moved to Spokane in 2004 to be closer to family. No matter where she lived she found things to learn and experience, and people to enjoy.

Elaine’s biggest love was her family. She took great pride in all of them. She enjoyed sharing the latest happenings in each of their lives.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Mason and Almarine Lemmons; husband, Norman Lant; brother, Bill Lemmons; and son, James E. Lant.

She is survived by sons, Michael M. Lant and Mary of Midland, Texas, and Jeffrey R. Lant and Eileen of Spokane; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Elaine’s life is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, at the Riplinger Funeral Home Chapel in Spokane. Private viewing will be available noon to 8 p.m. today, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.