Elaine Lois Ansteth Murray

Elaine Murray (Bobbi) passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Bethany Healthcare in DeKalb. She was born November 6, 1930, in La Moille, IL and was the daughter of Ray and Emma (Swanson) Ansteth.

Growing up as a farm girl in Waterman, IL, Elaine graduated from Waterman High School in 1948. She later continued her education, earning a bachelor's degree with a double major in Business Education and Sociology in 1972 from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. In 1983, she completed her master's degree in library science from Northern Illinois University.

Elaine spent many years living in Florida, a place she dearly loved, before eventually returning home to Waterman. Over the years, she worked at Northern Illinois University, then for the United States Post Office at the processing center in Carol Stream, where she served for 10 years. After retiring, she returned to NIU as a supervisor at the library's circulation desk, where she especially enjoyed working with the students.

Elaine had been under hospice care for several months, not due to illness, as her mind remained clear, alert, and full of humor. She lived a rich and meaningful life, touched by many family members and friends she met along the way. Elaine was known for her kindness; if someone she knew was ever in need, she was always there to help in any way she could.

She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a very good friend and co-worker Cliff Golden. She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Emma (Swanson) Ansteth and her sisters and brothers-in-law; Mildred (Gilbert) Gordon, Elizabeth "Betty" (Richard) Jones. Nephews; Randy Gordon and Rod "Ferg" Ferguson, Dick Freeman, Owen Morely, Randy Estes, Bob Jones, and one niece Samantha (Gordon) English.

Elaine requested that there be no services. Cremation rites were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.