Elaine E. Estes

Elaine E. Estes, 81, of Valparaiso, IN passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026. She is survived by her children Pamela & Nick Kekelik, and Douglas & Susan Estes, grandchildren Zachary & Alicia Kekelik, Lauren Estes, Rebecca & Nathan Lewis, and Jonathan Estes, great-grandchildren Braelynn Estes, Leo, Simon, & Will Kekelik, and Emma, Addison & Mackenzie Lewis, and sister Victoria Anunson. She was preceded in death by her husband Billy, and parents Alex Volk and Anna Anunson.

Elaine grew up in Gary, IN, graduating from Calumet High School in 1962. There she met Billy, the man of her dreams. The high school sweethearts were married on September 8,1962 and soon became a family of four with their children Pamela and Douglas. Pam and Doug blessed them with four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, all whom she adored.

Her family was everything to her.  She would volunteer at school when they needed a room mother, or chaperone on one of the many field trips; and even being a girl scout leader.

She looked forward to when all the kids, grandkids and great-grands made it to holiday dinners where everyone ate at one long table all decked out in the finest dishes and tablecloths.

As a young mother, she loved sewing clothes for Pam and Doug along with many halloween costumes. Eventually, she found herself tailoring men’s clothes for several area stores.

Elaine professed her faith in Christ along with her husband Billy in June of 2018 at Valparaiso Baptist Church. Here, they were baptized and became members.

Her passing will leave an empty place in all our hearts, but we find comfort that she is once again with her beloved husband and in the house of the Lord.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 with a Funeral Service at 5:00 pm.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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