Elaine S. Case

Elaine Sue Case, age 74, passed away on December 6, 2025, surrounded by her family following a short and unexpected illness.

Elaine was born on March 7, 1951, to Elvin Hugh and Anna Mae (Tyne) Stowe. The youngest of seven children—Bill, Carl, Roxanna, Janice, Linda, and Poge—Elaine grew up on the family farm outside Tiskilwa, Illinois. Life on the farm was rich in tradition, none more cherished than the Stowe Family Sunday dinners. A home-cooked meal followed by lively card games became the backdrop of her childhood and young adulthood. Elaine later took over these gatherings herself, carrying the traditions forward with her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family values, togetherness, and a feisty card game were truly what made her world go round.

Elaine graduated from Tiskilwa High School with the Class of 1969. Shortly thereafter, she welcomed her first child, daughter Julie Kathryn, in 1970, followed by her sons Bryan Douglas in 1973 and Robert Joseph in 1978. Motherhood was Elaine’s proudest accomplishment. As a single mother, she worked long and demanding hours at Hobb’s Stewart Warner in Spring Valley for more than 30 years, providing stability, love, and opportunity for her children. She took on the role of both mother and father, making countless sacrifices to ensure her family had what they needed.

While raising her children, Elaine and her sister Linda treasured their Friday nights together; dinners, card games, laughter, and sisterhood that helped carry them through the ups and downs of life. Elaine was also an unforgettable storyteller; her best stories were told and retold, each one shared as an act of love. If Elaine repeated a story to you, you knew you had a special place in her heart.

A true Stowe at heart, Elaine loved poker, casino trips, and any good card game. As her family grew to include grandchildren, she found renewed joy and purpose. She shared a unique and special bond with each grandchild, connections they will hold close forever.

After her children were grown, Elaine continued her life of caring by living with and tending to her mother until her passing in 2017. In her later years, Elaine enjoyed time with her family more than anything; Sunday dinners, games of Spicy Farkle, birthday casino trips, monthly visits from her sisters, and cheering on her grandchildren at their various sporting events. Her presence made every gathering warmer, livelier, and more complete.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Bill, Carl, and Poge; sister Linda; and daughter-in-law Tarah. She is survived by her sisters Roxanna and Janice (Don); sisters-in-law Mary and Jean; her children Julie (Scott) Elliott, Bryan Case, and Robert (Patti Field) Case; her grandchildren Cody (Taylor) Elliott, Brittney (Brianna) Elliott, Hollie (Dakota) Case, Dustin Allen, Joshua Allen, and Baylie Case; and her great-grandchildren Mason Elliott, Karlee Elliott, Anna Mae Elliott, Lane Elliott, Sawyer Elliott, Rowyn Fox, and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews who held special places in her life and in her heart.

Elaine was the heartbeat of our family, and her absence leaves a space that can never be filled. Her love, strength, humor, and unwavering devotion will live on in the stories we tell, the traditions we carry, and the generations she shaped.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 12 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Pastor Haley Hausman officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the services. Memorials may be directed in her name for a memorial to be established.

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