Elaine Marie Wallis was born November 20, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri, daughter of Fred E. and Ruby Helen (Buckner) Wallis.  She graduated from Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, Missouri with the Class of 1962.  She attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1966.

Elaine worked as a social worker until 1972 when she began her lifelong career with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kansas City, Missouri.  She worked at BC/BS for over 35 years before retiring.  In 2001, she received a Master's degree in Social Gerontology from Central Missouri State University.  She was very active in various service organizations throughout her life, her main passions being advocacy for the elderly and animals.

Elaine was an amazing sister and aunt, gift giver, Critter Sitter, and animal advocate.  She enjoyed attending concerts and was an avid traveler, traveling to Europe, Hawaii, and all over the United States.  Caring and kind-hearted, Elaine always had umbrellas on hand to hand out to anyone she would see walking in the rain.  She routinely purchased big bags of dog food and delivered them to a homeless area in Kansas City for their pets.

In 2021, Elaine moved to Anthony, Kansas to be near her sister, Doris McPherson.  She lived briefly at Country Living before her health required a move to Anthony Community Care Center.

On February 17, 2024, Elaine passed away at the Anthony Community Care Center at the age of 79.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Arnold and Darlene Wallis; and brother-in-law, Bob McPherson.

Elaine will be deeply missed by her sister, Doris McPherson; nephews and nieces, Michael McPherson and wife, Carolyn, Scott McPherson and wife, Sherilyn, Rodger Wallis, Michelle Wallis, and Mehghan Wallis; several great and great-great nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

The family expresses gratitude to Interim Healthcare and Anthony Community Care Center for their compassionate care during Elaine's final months, as well as the many friends who have shown their love and support.

Memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.  Friends may sign the register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Elaine's love of animals may be sent to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137 or to the charity of donor's choice.

Private inurnment will be held at the Zion Cemetery in Dent County, MO at a later date.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.