E. Elaine Ostiguy
June 23, 2010
E. Elaine Ostiguy, 51, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at her home after a courageous battle against cancer. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Johnston Evangelical Free Church, 9901 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, with burial at Ridgedale Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the church.
Elaine was born on April 2, 1959 to Eldon and Elgin Cook in Canton, IL. She graduated from Canton High School and Spoon River University; and attended Western Illinois University. She married Jim Ostiguy on May 12, 1984 whom she met in Peoria. They moved to Des Moines in 1987 where they raised their family. Elaine’s passion was being a devoted and loving mother. She was very proud of her sons. Elaine was also a member of the Johnston Evangelical Free Church.
She is survived by her sons, Peter, Steven, and Nathan; mother, Elgin Cook; sister, Nana Sue Cook; brother, Jerry Cook; and a host of other family and beloved friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Ostiguy; father, Eldon; and brother, Billy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ostiguy Boys Education Fund, c/o Charter Bank, 5526 NW 86th Street, Johnston, IA 50131, or to the Billy Graham Association, or World Vision International.
Arrangements are being handled by Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
John & Jackie Ruthman
06/25/2010
We are deeply saddened to learn of Elaine's death. Elaine worked with me at Saint Francis in Peoria in the early 80's, and although we had fallen out of touch since she left Peoria, we will always remember what a wonderful person she was.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane Klopfenstein
06/25/2010
Dear Peter, Steven and Nathan - I was sitting on my deck tonight watching the beautiful sunset. As I was gazing at the sky, I saw your Mom. I can gaze at the sky, but she was gazing at the face of God and singing praises! She was so happy, content, joyful! It brought tears to my eyes, and a smile to my face. How happy that day will be for all of us!
I know you will miss her terribly. She was a very special lady who had a deep love for Our Lord. I am sure she instilled that love in all of you. God is holding you in His arms, comforting you. He knows your pain. Draw strength from His love and care.
Sincerely - Diane
Gail
06/26/2010
I called Elaine the evening of her death thinking one of the boys would answer. I was so shocked to hear Elaine's voice - that I left her a message - from this earth of heartache to the heart of Jesus. We talked together of meeting our Lord and I was in awe that Elaine was actually there. I was so overwhelmed that I was in shock.
My precious son Chad should be there by now. I so pray that he and the three of you - first cousins - have a sense of connection. Boys - I am going to send you pictures and recollections of Elaine from the day I first met her. I was l9 yrs. old - Elaine was around 6 or 7. I instantly connected with Elaine and spent much time talking with her when I or she visited. Not having any sister, I was delighted with my little sister in laws. I so regret that I never met you. You are my nephews - I feel you in my heart. I reach out from the depth of my soul and spirit and hold all three of you - your mother and father were so proud of you. I have no idea why all of this happened but I'm remembering what your mother told me - don't try to figure it out - God will reveal.
There is no way I can help you other than to let you know that I very much loved Elaine and your father. They were very sensitive and kind to me - and a big help in my time of trouble. They were both very special people and I can only imagine the depth of you three - I so want to know you.
Please give Nana and Grandma Cook a hug for me - and Chad - and know that Elaine will live in my heart forever. I love you all. I miss Eliane.
Love,
Aunt Gail and Kimberly, Heather and little Grayson. Also Michael, my husband, and Matt and MIchelle my in law kids. We do love you.
Sandy (Bowton) Smith
06/25/2010
Dear family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know it has been hard for you seeing her struggle and battle the cancer over these past several years. It's so hard to see a loved one suffer. She was truly courageous. Elaine and I became friends in kindergarten and I have many memories of her from that early age. In Jr. High and High School we resumed our friendship after having gone to separate elementary schools in Canton. Elaine was a great friend and always a lot of fun. Though our adult lives went in much different paths,in the past 18 months she and I reconnected via email and facebook and shared stories of our lives, family, frustrations, cancer struggles and cheered one another on. That meant a great deal to me. I will cherish my memories of Elaine. She was a great friend. You are all in my prayers.
Sandy
Ron and Sue Anthony
06/24/2010
Peter, Steven, and Nathan,
Our hearts are broke as we are sure yours are. But we rejoice in knowing your mom is dancing with Jesus! She has changed all our lives for the better. What a courageous woman she is! She will live on in our hearts forever. We thank God for her life and how he has used her in so many of ours. You boys have been a tower of strenth also. We are here to do anything for you.
With all our love and prayers,
Ron and Sue
Sara Helland
06/24/2010
Boys- I am thinking of you all the time, and am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful, devoted mom. You were all lucky to have each other for the last twenty odd years, and I dearly hope your memories will help you get through this tough, tough time. She was awfully proud of all of you, with good reason.