Elaine Kay Spaur

Elaine Kay Spaur, age 78, of Albia, IA, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, surrounded by her family at her home in rural Albia, under the care of EveryStep Hospice. Elaine was born on August 21, 1944, at home in the Brushy Neighborhood of Appanoose County, Iowa to George D. and Jean (Sulser) Curtis. She grew up attending Pleasant Hill Country School until graduating from the 8th grade. She then attended the Moravia High School, graduating with the class of 1962. On June 16, 1962, she was united in marriage to Carl Spaur at the Chariton River Baptist Church. To this union 3 daughters, Jeanne, Rosemary and Rebecca, were born. Elaine and Carl shared 60 years of marriage prior to her passing. Elaine was a homemaker before graduating from college as a nontraditional student in 1989 at Indian Hills Community College where she received her degree in medical transcription (ART). She worked as a transcriptionist in Albia, Hamilton, IL, and Keokuk. Elaine had a very strong faith and was a lifelong Christian. She was a past member of the First Baptist Church in Albia and Keokuk and most recently, the Albia Baptist Temple. She was a talented oil painter and pianist. She loved her pets and spending time at home on the farm. Elaine enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and feeding and watching the birds. She also enjoyed reading and playing dominoes and wahoo. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family dinners. Above all else, Elaine loved her family and cherished all of the time spent with them. Elaine is survived by her husband, Carl Spaur; her 3 children, Jeanne (Dave Whitehead) Spaur, Rosemary (Ashish) Tiwari and Rebecca (William) Sanford; 7 grandchildren, Laura (Chris) Mart, Elizabeth (Mike Douglass) Ballanger, Mariah Ballanger, Anupam Tiwari, Ravyn Sanford, Sophia Sanford, and Elijah Sanford; 3 great grandchildren, Tristan Mart, Harleigh Ballanger, and Sebastian De Leon; 2 siblings, Anita Snyder and John (Rayanne) Curtis; 2 sisters-in-law, Peggy Ann and Phyllis Spaur; and a brother-in-law, Ray (Jan) Dittmer. Elaine is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jean Curtis; a brother, Dean Curtis and a brother in infancy; brother-in-law, Jack Snyder and a nephew, Jeffrey Snyder. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Elaine’s family present throughout to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Todd Ratliff officiating. Burial will follow services at Brushy Cemetery in Appanoose County. A memorial has been established to the Albia Baptist Temple.

Elaine Kay Spaur

August 21, 1944 - January 31, 2023