Elaine Louise Mars (born Elaine Louise Erickson) was born on June 12, 1934, in Kulm, North Dakota, to Rev. Victor and Olga Erickson. She passed away on January 17, 2026 at the age of 91 in Federal Way, Washington, where she had been living.

Elaine grew up during the years of the Great Depression and World War II. Two of her brothers, Rodney and Dennis, were born in Kulm. In about 1938, the family moved to Roseau, Minnesota, where her father became pastor of the First Baptist Church. Her brother Rodger was born during this time. Rev. Erickson also preached in smaller nearby churches, sometimes in the Swedish language, which both Victor and Olga had learned while growing up.

In 1946, the family moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where Elaine attended junior high school. A few years later, the family relocated to Monmouth, Illinois, where her father served as pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. Elaine graduated from Monmouth High School and worked for one year as a telephone operator.

Elaine later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to attend the Swedish Hospital School of
Nursing, graduating in about 1956. She returned to Monmouth, where she worked at Monmouth Hospital while attending Monmouth College. Encouraged by her mother's strong belief in education, she continued her studies at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

After completing her education, Elaine moved to Galesburg, Illinois, where she worked as a mental health nurse at Galesburg State Research Hospital. It was there that she met Keith Mars.

Elaine and Keith Mars eloped and were married in Philadelphia on October 19, 1962. After their marriage, they lived in Poughkeepsie, New York; Quincy, Illinois; and Corte Madera, California. While in California, Elaine worked at Linda Vista Convalescent Hospital. They later moved to Lakewood, Washington, where Elaine lived for over 30 years and where their five children grew up. Elaine and Keith divorced in 2002.

Elaine raised five children: Steven, Stacie, Scott, Shari, and Shaun. She later worked for many years as a nurse at the American Lake VA, where she cared for veterans until her retirement.

In her later years, Elaine lived in Federal Way, Washington. She valued education deeply and remained proud of her lifelong learning and nursing career. She will be remembered for her dedication to her family and her quiet commitment to caring for others.

Elaine was preceded in death by her brothers Rodney and Dennis. She is survived by her brother Rodger and by her five children: Steven, Stacie, Scott, Shari, and Shaun.

A burial service will be held at Fridsborg Cemetery in East Bethel, Minnesota at 11am on Friday, February 6.