Elaine Kilgore

Elaine Kilgore, 68, of Willard, passed away surrounded by her husband, Dale, her niece, Jenna, and her best friends, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital.  She was born on October 11, 1956 in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Helen (Maslocha) Sczerbowicz.  She married her husband, Dale, and he survives in Willard.

Elaine is also survived by her sister, Margie Koval; her brothers-in-law and wives; her sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews..  She was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Ben Kilgore.

She was a graduate of Hiram College with a degree in education. She moved to Willard in 1978, where she taught children with special needs for 29 years and greatly loved her students.  

Dale and Elaine spent 42 years of marriage together and enjoyed traveling to Grand Cayman.  They were well known for hosting wonderful parties, with Elaine being a wonderful cook - her specialties being cabbage rolls, pierogies, and her world-famous cheesecake.  They hosted many celebrations with good friends for birthdays and Christmases for over 40 years.  She learned to cook from her mother, Helen, as a child in Slavick Village on the east side of Cleveland.  In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, watching the birds, and playing with her many dogs and cats.

Elaine was a loyal friend and always willing to help anyone.  While she was small in stature, she was mighty in presence in any room.  

At Elaine's request, no visitation or services will occur at this time.  A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.  Contributions in Elaine's memory may be shared with the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Hanneman Funeral Home, Willard, has been graciously entrusted with Elaine's care.  Online condolences may be shared with her family at hannemanfuneralhomes.com.