Elaine Luke

She was born on Jan. 2, 1930, in Crystal Falls, to Maurice and Norma Ball. She graduated as the valedictorian of her Michigamme High School Class of 1947. On June 9, 1951, she married Cameron Luke and they celebrated 72 years of marriage together.

The Michigamme area was considered her home for the majority of her life and is where they raised their four children. Elaine was a woman of strong faith and devotion to her husband and children. She was a faithful servant who taught Sunday School for many years and shared her generosity of spirit with her community.

She was patient, kind, and always giving of her love, time, and care. She and Cameron instilled a sense of family togetherness that has been carried on throughout the three generations that followed in their lifetime.

Elaine was the matriarch of the family, a steward of traditions and beloved family recipes passed down by her parents, who owned Mt. Shasta Lodge for 34 years and where Elaine became a talented cook and baker. She was admired for her quiet confidence and strength that positively impacted everyone in her life.

She is survived by her children, Kirk (Rebecca) Luke of Randville, Denise (Steve) Eliason of Michigamme, Lynn (Robert) LaMere of Hutto, Texas, and Becky (Pat) DeWitt of Marquette; her 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; her siblings, Wayne Ball of New Lenox, Ill. and Maureen (John) Ramirez of Kankakee, Ill. She is also lovingly remembered by in-laws, Floyd Luke and Mary Ann Villar, both of Marquette, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cameron; her parents; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Luke; and three brothers, Robert, Glenn and Dale Ball.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. Eastern time at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home, with the Rev. Tim Johnston to officiate. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the services.

Interment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.

Memorials may be directed to Friends of the Michigamme Community, memo line Michigamme Museum, 106 W. Main St., Michigamme, MI 49861.

Elaine’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers of Eastwood Nursing Center.

Elaine’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.