Obituary: Hazel "Elaine" Damm

Hazel "Elaine" Damm passed away on Oct. 23, 2010, in Carson City with her family by her side. Elaine was born Nov. 7, 1941, in Lone Pine, Calif., to Jake and LaVerne Zediker. She grew up in Big Pine, Calif., graduating from Big Pine High School in 1959.

A visitation was held Wednesday at FitzHenry's Funeral Home in Gardnerville.

Going from cowgirl to pioneer, Elaine spent her youth riding horses on the ranch in Big Pine and herding cattle into the mountains with her grandparents. On May 1, 1965, Elaine married Kenneth M. Damm, they had two daughters, Shannon and Whitney. Being true adventurers, they moved their family to the "last frontier," Alaska, in 1973. While living in Alaska, Elaine helped Ken with several businesses and had a very successful office supply business for many years on Kodiak Island. In 2008 they moved back to Carson Valley where they had lived for a few years before going to Alaska.

Elaine loved the outdoors, animals, her friends, and especially her adoring family. She is survived by her husband of 45 years Kenneth; daughter Shannon Ferris and her husband Mike; and daughter Whitney O'Neill. She had three grandchildren, Ryan Ferris, Curtis Ferris, and Jake O'Neill. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Brooks and many, many friends.

Elaine will always be remembered for her easy smile, her quick laugh and her wonderful joy of life. We will always be grateful for the care and love that she gave to all of her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please send donation to Kodiak, Alaska, chapter of the American Cancer Association.