Doris Elaine Wygal Hamblin
5/20/39 – 7/21/18
This old gal was the real deal! She met the love of her life when she was 5 when he boosted her up to get a drink from the water fountain at a family dance. She was the Homecoming Queen in high school and continued to date that golden boy, Kay Hamblin, until the day she died. Her parents were Merle Milton Wygal and Doris Lucie Campbell and they always called her “Baby”. She had a sister, Lavone Butler “Squeaky” and step-sister, Joan Hungerford and step-brother, Sonny.
Kay and Elaine decided to have a bunch of babies. They had ten kids and created a big, fun, loud and crazy family. They loved each other, they lived life to the fullest and they never quit. Their kids are Brent & Heidi Hamblin, Julie & Roger Lewis, Lori & Nelson Richardson, Steven & Shawna Hamblin, Lance & Sharee Hamblin, Troy & Leigh Hamblin, Dustin & Sally Hamblin, Jill & Jeremy Wright, Leisel & Christian Azbill, and Travis Hamblin. They have 43 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren with at least two on the way.
Kay presided over the Spain Las Palmas mission with Elaine by his side, and other than their own family, this was by far their greatest joy. They served over 30 years ago and still keep in close contact with many of their missionaries and hold reunions often. They were a power couple that powered through life in a quiet and confident way. They were teammates and friends and made their lives meaningful and fun.
Their kids adore them and think they are a pretty big deal. Their grandkids (especially the older ones) were blessed to spend quality time at Grandma’s house. Elaine could cook up a storm and showed her love by feeding everyone that came in her door. Chips and homemade salsa were the grandkids’ favorite but she was also known for her spudnuts, burritos, tacos and her homemade bread.
Elaine was feisty. She spoke her mind and she was pretty darn funny. Her career of choice was being a mother and a homemaker and she took it seriously. She didn’t have many outside hobbies or activities because she truly gave everything she had to her family. She was home and she ran a tight ship. Things were in order and her kids knew they could count on her for anything and everything.
Elaine didn’t want a sad funeral. She actually spoke of it often. Some things she told us to do are not appropriate to write about but the bottom line was she wanted a big party. We love you, Mom!
Funeral services will be Friday, July 27 at 10:30 am
Closed casket vistation held from 9:00-10 am
McQueen Ward
Gilbert Stapley Stake Center
1100 N. Cooper Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85233
Graveside Service Monday, July 30 at 9:00 am
San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms
2245 E. Cloud Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85132