Elaine Marie Patton, 79
Elaine Marie Patton passed into the arms of Jesus on Feb. 19, 2023. She will be greatly missed.
Her parents, Rodgers L. Wyckoff and Adeline M. (Purma) Wyckoff of Louisville, Ky., welcomed Elaine into their home on Valentine's Day 1944 — a happy addition to the family right at the end of WWII. Elaine had two older sisters, Ann (5 ½ ) and Nancy (2 ½) at the time. The girls grew up in Louisville and enjoyed a wonderful childhood, during which they participated in tap and ballet dance lessons, piano lessons and were very active members of a country club swim team. Elaine was swimming quite well at age 3 and won many swimming medals. She held the national AAU record in her age group for the 100-meter breaststroke for several years.
The family moved to San Marino, Calif., in 1954 and Elaine attended junior and senior high school there. After graduation, Elaine attended USC, where she earned her degree in education. Many good lifelong friends were made during these years. And she added many more good friends during her long teaching career in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Elaine and Carl Patton were married in Las Vegas in May 1979, and their daughter, Danielle, was born in April of the following year. Divorced in 1985, Elaine and Danielle moved to Irvine, Calif., where she continued her teaching career until retirement in 2012. Their big move to Coeur d’Alene was made in 2014.
Shared by one of Elaine’s best friends during her teaching career:
“Elaine, Danielle and I were the best of friends in California. We hit every 5-star restaurant and wine vineyards along the coast. When we weren't eating, we were laughing about anything and everything, but mostly we were able to laugh at ourselves.
Elaine was a devoted and loving mother to her own daughter, Danielle. She put Danielle first above herself and all others.
Elaine finished her career in the Newport Mesa Unified School District as an English teacher at Monte Vista Alternative High School. She connected with her students by caring deeply about them. Long after students graduated, they sought her out. Countless students would never have been able to graduate if she hadn't been in their lives. When asked if she would take a difficult student her response was always "sure." She gave her students a new confidence in themselves and gave families hope.
Elaine will be remembered by many students, staff and friends for the support she gave freely to those in need and for her love of her family, friends and students.“
Danielle lived with her mom until she passed and shared:
“My mother was very loving and devoted to me. She made me happy and knew more about me than anyone else in the world. She gave up most of her time caring for me and making sure I had the things I needed and three beautiful cats. In California, she helped me go to college and we spent many wonderful holidays together in amazing restaurants. I loved her very much and I devoted my time to caring and loving her. She left this world as I left her bedside.”
Elaine’s survivors are daughter Danielle Elizabeth Patton of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; sister Ann King of Hayden, Idaho; sister Nancy Wyckoff of Coeur d’Alene; niece Cheryl Niemann of Hayden; and nephew Brian King of Austin, Texas, plus grand-nephews Daniel Niemann of Hayden and David Niemann of Hayden and Elias King of Austin, Texas, and Zachary King of Austin, Texas.
A memorial service for Elaine Patton will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Candlelight Christian Fellowship, (5725 N. Pioneer Drive, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815), with a reception following to share memories and stories about Elaine. All are welcome to join family and friends in celebrating Elaine’s life. Please visit Elaine’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com
