Elaine Rawle

Elaine Jessee Rawle, 93, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 26, 2025 surrounded by her family. 

Elaine was born November 14, 1931 in Springville, Utah to Phillip Cornell and Minerva Boss Jessee. She graduated from Springville High School (Class of 1950) and attended BYU where she majored in music and played in the ‘Y’ Symphony Orchestra. Elaine was well known in her community as an accomplished violinist, pianist, and organist. 

Elaine met James (“Jim”) Millet Rawle on a blind date and they were married on June 25, 1953 in the Logan Temple after Jim obtained special permission for a 3-day leave from the U.S. Army to attend the ceremony. They lived for a time in San Luis Obispo, California; Elaine returned to Springville while Jim was deployed to Germany for two years. Elaine and Jim lived the remainder of their married life in Springville. 

Elaine delighted in home, family, and her children. She and Jim had 8 children together and raised them in a home filled with learning, laughter, music, and a strong commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elaine enjoyed homemaking and participating in church callings, including serving as a ward organist and playing her violin at numerous events. She was a strong believer in the power of prayer and prayed with each of her children at the door of their home as they left for school every day. Her children were certain of her commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ because she led by example; she could be found each morning studying the truths found in scriptures. She believed in remembering and celebrating each of her family members personally. She noted every birthday and anniversary of her large family—sending cards to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren every single year. She was a meticulous, kind, and tenderhearted woman who showed her love for those around her by serving them and giving them words of encouragement. 

In addition, she was a fervent fan of BYU sports and followed the highs and lows of the basketball and football teams throughout her entire life. She enjoyed simple pleasures, such as playing games with her family, eating a good meal, listening to Classical 89 on the radio, and perusing the Avon catalog. During all of her interactions, large or small, with the people around her, she exuded a positive spirit and was never heard to disparage anyone. She will be greatly missed by her numerous family members, friends, and neighbors who were influenced by her stellar example and made better through her kindness. Above all, it can be said of her that she was true. 

She is survived by her dear children: Annette Holm, James Jr. (Patricia) Rawle, David Jessee Rawle, Robert (Sandy) Rawle, Sue Rawle, Torgunn Pettersen Rawle, Michael (Michelle) Rawle. In addition, she is survived by 41 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband James Millet Rawle, a daughter, Linda; a son, Roger; a son-in-law, Keven Holm and a grandson, Nathan Rawle. 

A viewing will be held at Wheeler Mortuary 211 E. 200 S. in Springville on Wednesday, July 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Springville Kolob 7th Ward Chapel, 840 South 400 East in Springville. There will be a viewing held at the church on Thursday, July 3 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at the Springville City Cemetery.

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