Dec. 30, 1921-Aug. 24, 2004

MILTON-FREEWATER – A graveside service for Elaine V. Dowse, will be held at 2 p.m Monday, Aug. 30, at the Douglas Cemetery in Comstock, Neb.

Mrs. Dowse, 82, of Milton-Freewater, died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004, at her daughter’s home in Milton-Freewater.

She was born Dec. 30, 1921, at Arcadia, Neb., to Dewey and Juanita Hawley Bonsall. She grew up in the farming community of Arcadia and had many experiences on the three different farms her parents lived on. She became very knowledgeable about farming and developed a love for horses, becoming an expert horsewoman. Her father gave her a pony when she was 5 years old, which she named “Sweetheart” and the pony was her constant companion for the next 14 years. During these years, she was her dad’s right hand.

She graduated from Arcadia High School in 1940 and went to work for a family near Comstock. It was here that she met and fell in love with Kermit Dowse. The couple were married on Feb. 5, 1943. For the first three years of their marriage, they lived with Mr. Dowse’s parents, William and Florence Dowse, in their sod home near Comstock.

Mrs. Dowse had fond memories of this time and formed a special bond with her in-laws, especially her mother-in-law.

In the spring of 1955, Mr. Dowse left Nebraska to seek employment in Alaska. Four months later, Mrs. Dowse packed up their few belongings, including her sewing machine and joined him with their children, ranging from 11 years to 19 months. They began their Alaska years in the Soldtona area, moving to Whittier in 1960 and then to Kodiak Island after the earthquake in 1964. After 33 years in Alaska, they followed their daughter, Connie Kidd, to Milton-Freewater making it their home.

The couple had five children who were Mrs. Dowse’s greatest joys. She loved the Lord and lived Proverbs 31. Mrs. Dowse met all the needs of her family. One of her favorite pastimes was sewing their clothes. She was accused once of having daughters, just so she could make beautiful look-alike dresses.

Her husband preceded her in death on Nov. 13, 1998, after 55 years of marriage. Mrs. Dowse continued to live in their home until recently when she moved into an apartment, created for her by her children, in her daughter’s home. She enjoyed the beautiful world of flowers out on the deck designed especially for her.

It was said she would be remembered for her love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always concerned with the details in each one of their lives and helped in any way she could. She was said to have a victorious spirit and that she fought a brave battle right up to the end.

Survivors include sons, Kent Dowse of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Robin Dowse of Clio, S.C.; daughters, Connie Kidd of Milton-Freewater and Coleen Sparks of Fairbanks, Alaska, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, Mrs. Dowse was preceded in death by a son, Lynn Dowse.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla Community Hospice through Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main, Milton-Freewater, OR 97862.