Elaine Leman Obituary

Elaine Annette Leman

Elaine Annette Leman, 76, of Montrose, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Saturday, June 28, 2025, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born August 28, 1948, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Glenn A. and Betty J. [Corl] Eldridge. Elaine was the daughter of a World War II U.S. Army Combat Veteran with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart and an Indiana country farm girl. Elaine had two very playful, ornery, and funny brothers that she loved very much, Dennis and Kent.

Elaine was raised among people she loved and adored immensely in Francesville, Indiana, a community that embodied its motto: "A small town with a big heart. "After graduating from Francesville High School in 1966, she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Cedarville College in 1970. In the fall of 1969, when Elaine heard that David Leman had become a follower of Jesus Christ while serving in the U.S. Air Force, she sent him a letter of encouragement, and their romance began. They kept the U.S. Postal Service busy corresponding.

Elaine and David were married on July 31, 1971, at First Baptist Church in Francesville. Elaine was a faithful pastor's wife for many years. In light of her love for children, she taught elementary students for nearly 40 years. She was a wonderful friend to many and the best friend to her children. Elaine invested and ministered to the lives of numerous people in Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, and Colorado. Elaine loved her children. In 1976, while living in Palm Bay, Florida, her son, Brian, was born. She quickly learned Brian was a "High Adventure Kid," as she frequently stated. He would often be taken by his father for a nap. Brian would soon return to his mother, saying, "I have Dad asleep. What do you want to do now, Mom?" As Brian grew, his adventures took him around the world, and he would often convince his mother to explore with him in many ways that challenged her. They both loved experiencing and sharing in these adventurous memories together. Elaine was an American Patriot, U.S. Marine Corps Mom, and Brian's greatest fan during his service time and deployment to the Middle East.

Elaine faithfully committed to what she called "10 o'clock Prayers" to the Lord every night for Brian and his platoon, as they were a historic and instrumental piece of the "Tip of the Spear" during the Invasion of Iraq in 2003. Brian has always credited his return home from the war to Prayer Warriors like his mother.

In 1981, Elaine gave birth to her pride and joy, a baby girl, Melissa, in Logansport, Indiana. They had a very special mother-daughter relationship. She was the best mom for a little girl playing with Cabbage Patch Dolls, Strawberry Shortcake, and Care Bears; for a teenager navigating growing up; and for an adult dealing with all the ups and downs of life. They delighted in God's creation together, especially adventurous road trips to the beach and mountains. Elaine enjoyed planning Melissa's wedding with her and welcoming Kevin into the family. Her unconditional love, Godly wisdom, prayer support, and girl talks will be deeply missed.

Elaine cherished her Christian Faith, family, friends, flowers, Florida, and flamingos. The most important aspect of Elaine's life was her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her husband, David Leman; her two children, Brian Leman and Melissa (Kevin) McDaniel; her mother, Betty Eldridge; her two brothers, Dennis (Evelyn) Eldridge and Kent (Mandy) Eldridge.

She was preceded in death by her father, Glenn Eldridge; and an unborn grandchild.

Visitation is 2-6 p.m. EDT Friday and noon-2 p.m. Saturday at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, 230 S. Brooks St., Francesville, IN 47946. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. EDT Saturday at the funeral home. Burial at Roseland Cemetery.

Visit www.frainmortuary.com to offer condolences.