She was born June 6, 1947, in Chicago, to Gail and Sylvia (Boocher) Platts. On March 10, 1966, in Edwardsburg, Mich., she married Harry Lee Elswick. He died in September 2003.

She is survived by three daughters, Desiree J. (Chas. "Alan") Williams, Sirena L. DeVore and Summer D. (Casey D.) Adkins, all of Elkhart; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Julie (Steve) Merritt of Elkhart and Jean (John) Ray of Bristol; five brothers, Brad, Gerald and Jesse Dunfee, and Ed and Chester O'Connell; and her mother, Sylvia Lovejoy of Elkhart.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Rick Dunfee; one sister, Cindy O'Connell; one granddaughter, Stephanie DeVore; and her adoptive parents, George and Fern Dunfee, who raised her from a young age.

Friends may call one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Friday funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor Dale Turner will officiate. Cremation will follow the service.

Mrs. Elswick was a homemaker who spent much of her time caring for the children of the family. Her enjoyment of children earned her the nickname of "Gram." She was an avid collector of lighthouses and enjoyed reading and crafts, as well as listening to country music and oldies.

Memorials may be given to the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.