Elaine Pauline Martha Schulz Tinkham, 94, passed away at her home in Chandler, Arizona, on Sept. 15, 2015.

She was born on July 6, 1921, to John Schulz and Bertha Schulz in Fairmont, Minnesota, where she spent her childhood and her teenage years.

Elaine married Lester Orville Tinkham on July 23, 1938, in Estherville, Iowa. They moved to Austin, Minnesota, in November of 1942. To this union six children were born: Larry (Jan) Tinkham of Chandler, Arizona, Janice (Art) Sprandel of Monument, Colorado, Allan of Phoenix, Arizona, Bernadine (Karlis) Wicks of Motley, Minnesota, Leslie (Dana) Farrell of Austin, Minnesota, and Cindy (Mike) Behne of Marana, Arizona.

Elaine was employed at the A.J. Hormel Plant in Austin until July 6, 1976. Upon her retirement, Elaine and Lester moved to Arizona.

She is survived by her six children; and numerous great, great-grandchildren; and her sister, Hazel Grewe of Jordan, Minnesota.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lester; two grandchildren: Tony Farrell, and Eric Tinkham; and her brother LaVerne Schulz.

A memorial service will be held in Arizona at a later date.