Elaine Margaret Clark Garner
Celebration of Elaine Margaret Clark Garner
On the early morning of November 27, 2025, like a plane flying off into the sunrise, Elaine peacefully moved out of our sight. We say with full hearts, “There she goes,” while on another blessed horizon, loved ones who have been waiting and watching are joyfully saying, “Here she comes.”
Elaine began her earthly journey on July 22, 1936, in Ogden, Utah, born to loving parents Clyde and Margaret Clark. She was the middle child, with two loving brothers, Darrell and Glen.
At her dad’s funeral in 1983, she met a wonderful man, Richard Opheikens (known as Dick). They went on to share more than 24 years together and were often found enjoying Bear Lake on summer weekends, going to Jazz games, or taking trips to Wendover.
Elaine was a phoenix, surviving many close-call medical challenges. She was a 53-year breast cancer survivor. Ultimately, COPD became her greatest challenge, and she bravely fought it for over 10 years. Her daughter-in-law Michelle was an earthly angel, caring for her in our home and making sure she had her McDonald’s breakfast (No. 2 with extra hot sauce and a large coffee) every morning. Our family is deeply grateful for the wonderful, comforting hospice care provided this past year by Holly, Gur, and Teresa, as well as the private care from Mele during the last two weeks.
Mom always made the best of things. She faced the challenge of being a divorced mother in 1973 with three little boys. I remember being so poor that she made a kitchen table out of plywood and cinder blocks. She painted it bright green, and it actually looked very nice. In 1983, at age 47, she moved back to Utah from Laredo, Texas, and began a successful 24-year career at Holy Cross Hospital on 100 South. At 71, Mom retired, and I remember her telling me at her reception that she wasn’t sure why she was retiring—but she had begun suffering major hearing loss. Mom was happy as long as she had her laptop, coffee, and McDonald’s. I will always remember the strength Mom showed in challenging times—financial, medical, and family-related. So thankful for grandpa Clyde, uncle Glen and Mom's friends (Patsy, Olga, Bernie) that were there for her.
Elaine is survived by her wonderful brother Glen; her sons Kory, Kelly (Michelle), and Kenny; her grandchildren Aaron (Rebecca), Kameron (Rayan), Cassidy (Alex), and Jennika; and her great-grandchildren Sedona, Violet, Kellen, and two new babies in November, Montana and Charly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Margaret; her brother Darrell (Irene); her sister-in-law Bonnie; and Dick in 2008.
We love you, Mom, more than the last number in the whole wide world, and you will forever be in our hearts.
A graveside celebration of Elaine’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Ogden City Cemetery.