Elaine Ruth Tobias

Elaine Ruth Tobias, 70, of Talkeetna passed away peacefully at her home on April 15, 2013, due to a stroke. She was surrounded by loving family.

A celebration of life is at 2 p.m., April 28 at the Myron F. (Ace) Ebling VFW Post 3836, on Veteran’s Way in Talkeetna.

Elaine was born March 1, 1943, in Ligonier, Penn., the second eldest daughter of Harold and Betty (Parks) Riffle. She graduated from Ligonier Valley High School in 1961. In 1964, she married William Tobias and they moved to Alaska, where William was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Her family grew with the addition of two sons, Ty and Troy. She lived in Anchorage until her retirement, at which time she moved to Talkeetna.

In Talkeetna, she was active in fundraising for the Upper Susitna Senior Center and for the early planning of the Sunshine Community Health Center. She was also active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW in Talkeetna, serving as president, then in 2002-2003 she served as the Ladies Auxiliary Department of Alaska president.

In addition, her green thumb was renowned, as evidenced by her two large greenhouses, where she grew flowers, tomatoes, herbs and cucumbers. She was even known in Talkeetna as “The Tomato Lady.” Her winter activities were crocheting and doing beadwork, some of which was sold in local shops, some donated as fundraising items.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Betty Riffle; husband, William Tobias in 1984; her former daughter-in-law, Holly Tobias; and her longtime companion, Ray MacDonald.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ty and Cindy; son, Troy; and granddaughter, Amanda Tobias, all of Anchorage; siblings, Ann, Linda and Harold, all of Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many good friends, including her dear friend, Elton (Tony) Christianson.

Memorials in Elaine’s name may be made to the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Cancer Aid and Research Fund c/o P.O. Box 95, Talkeetna, AK 99676, or to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were by Cremation Society of Alaska, online at alaskacremation.com.