Elaine Brown, 89, formerly of Libby

Elaine Coleman Brown, 89, of Billings, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Billings.

Elaine was born in Libby  on March 26, 1924, to Mansel and Elsie (Parks) Coleman.

They lived in and she was probably born in the railroad housing that was between the railrioad depot and the Kootenai River. When she was about 4, they moved to Sheldon Flats and lived in a converted railroad car that was skidded by horses to their homestead site.

She received her basic schooling in her hometown before moving to Missoula, Helena, Astoria, Ore., and Everett, Wash., where she received her extended education.

During the years she was married to and divorced from Wayne Wynne, Orville Murray, James Yates and Rudolph Collins. In 1971 she married Ralph Edward Brown in Spokane, Wash., to whom she remained married until his death.

Elaine worked in many occupations during her life, some that she liked and some that she did not. Some of the most memorable included waitress, cook, bartender, nightclub hostess, nightclub manager and taxi driver.

She organized and directed a Lion’s Club camp for under-privileged children and worked as an auxiliary member for Lion’s clubs in several communities.

Elaine is survived by a daughter, Janie (Al) Kington of Helena; granddaughters, Becky Kington  of Twin Bridges, and Stephanie (Patrick) Gannon; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Chase Gannon, all of Williams Lake, British Columbia. Canada; numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends, Margaret Wenk of Spokane, Wash., and the Payne Family of Sheridan.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ted, Ross and John Coleman; and sisters, Grace Mansfield and Betty Roeser.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at the Ryegate Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfgbillings.com through Our Families.