Elna G. Papich

Elna G. Papich, age 94, of Albia formerly of Lovilia passed away surrounded by her children and grandchildren on Friday, February 4, 2011 at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Elna was born July 4, 1916 to George Jr. and Anna (Mitrisin) Lucas at their home east of Lovilia. She graduated Salutatorian at age 16 from Lovilia High School Class of 1932. In 1936 she married David Edward Papich at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lovilia. To this union seven children were born. They shared 16 years of marriage, before David's passing in 1953. Elna worked as an accountant at Godfrey's Hardware in Lovilia. She was a homemaker and assisted in the operation of the family owned business Papich Sundries in Lovilia. When Dave passed away, Elna continued operating the store for 16 years until 1969. She served as county coordinator for South Central Community Active Program, SCICAP in the Chamber of Commerce building helping others in many different aspects of life. She was a member of St. Peter's Parish in Lovilia for many years and is currently a member at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia. She was a board member at Oakwood Nursing and Rehabilitation and served on the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Board for many years. Elna served as a volunteer in the gift shop at Monroe County Hospital. Elna joy was feeding her family and friend's specialty dishes and breads, gardening, canning, and baking breads. Family was everything to her. Elna had very strong religious values. They prayed together as a family regularly. Elna was widowed at age 36. She was a very strong independent woman and passed many intangible gifts to her children such as honesty, integrity, and strong religious values. Elna had a strong interest in politics at an early age. Every year on Elna's birthday, they had a party called ElnaFest. People from all of the country, as well as out of the country would come for the party. The family is planning "ElnaFest", a celebration of Elna's life on July 3rd, 2011, the family wishes to hold this celebration for those who are unable to attend Elna's services. Elna's family expresses that everyone is welcome. Elna is survived by her children, Danny and Bette Papich of Norwalk; JoAnne Papich Feldmann of Bettendorf; Marlene and Bob Terrell of Peoria, IL; Mick Papich of Albia; Connie and Joe Sinnott of Georgetown; Mary Jo Papich of Highland Park, IL; 18 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Elna is also survived by one brother, David V. Lucas of Knoxville and several nieces and nephews including Philip "Nonny" Papich of Lovilia. Elna was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna; her husband David; one son Leonard Papich; one daughter-in-law, Lenore Flattery Papich; two granddaughters, Jennifer Terrell and Gabriella Sinnott; a brother, Eldon Lucas; and a sister Maxine Anderson.

Elna G. Papich

July 4, 1916 - February 4, 2011