Elaine Fielding Finlinson's Obituary
Elaine Fielding Finlinson was born on 8 September 1942 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to loving parents Roy Edmond Fielding and Nina Francis Robinson. She came home to a bustling, love-filled house with eight older siblings and later became the eldest of four more. She never thought of her step-siblings as anything other than simply her brothers and sisters bound not by technicalities but by the love they shared. To her, family was a sacred bond, built on love, unity, and an unshakable foundation of faith.
Her childhood was a time of adventure, joy, and hard work, all of which she embraced wholeheartedly. Growing up on a farm in Shelley, Idaho, she learned the value of diligence and perseverance, whether it was harvesting potatoes under the hot sun or helping with chores. But farm life wasn’t just about work—it was also about fun. She fondly recalled wading through the canal, feeling the mud squish between her toes, and spending warm summer nights sleeping under a vast canopy of stars. The simplicity of those moments, shared with family and friends, became some of her most treasured memories.
She was bright, determined, and deeply involved in school life. She made lifelong friends and took on leadership roles with enthusiasm, serving as Senior Class President and co-editor of the yearbook, and was an active member of the Future Homemakers of America. Her natural ability to lead, organize, and uplift others was evident even then—a trait that would define her life in the years to come.
One of the pivotal moments in her young life came at the age of 12 when her family won a contest that brought an organ into their home for a year. This incredible gift introduced her to a deep love of music. She quickly learned to play, and from that moment on, the piano became an inseparable part of her life. Music was woven into the fabric of her home, and she felt that "Love at Home" was the theme song of both her childhood and the family she later built with her husband. She would play the melody on the piano while her children accompanied her on their various musical instruments, creating a home filled with harmony—both musically and emotionally. Music wasn’t just a skill; it was a way to express love, unity, and gratitude for the life she cherished.
Her passion for caring for others led her to the University of Utah, where she pursued a degree in nursing. She graduated with her bachelor’s in June of 1964, but her life took another momentous turn before then. In the fall of 1963, she met "the neatest fellow I have ever gone with and is really good looking [and] really fills out his shirt!"—a comment that, in hindsight, captured the excitement and admiration she felt for the man who would become the love of her life, Steven Lambert Finlinson. After a long courtship filled with long phone calls and letters and as many dates and visits that a long distance courtship allows, she and Steven were married on August 28, 1964, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Their nearly 61 years together were a testament to their devotion, partnership, and deep love for one another making them nearly inseparable.
Elaine had many hardships throughout her life, both before and during her marriage to Steven. Life was not always easy, and trials came in many forms. But through every challenge, she and Steven handled them with grace and dignity. She carried her burdens with quiet strength, never allowing them to dim the light she shared with others. She was a fierce, confident, smart, beautiful, kind, thoughtful, generous, and loving woman. She lifted others, inspired them, and left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.
She worked as a nurse for several years, finding great fulfillment in providing compassionate care to others. However, as her family grew, she felt a strong pull to be home with them. Though she stepped away from nursing professionally, she never stopped being a caretaker. Her medical knowledge and nurturing spirit continued to bless her family and community for years to come. She always spoke fondly of her time as a nurse, carrying with her the same passion for helping others in every stage of her life.
Her life was defined by service—to her profession, to her community, and most importantly, to her family. Over the years, she cared for at least 250 children while their parents worked, ensuring that every child she welcomed into her home felt loved, safe, and cherished. Her service extended far beyond her home—she was deeply involved in LDS humanitarian efforts, church callings, and countless acts of quiet kindness.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served diligently in various LDS church callings, always eager to help, teach, and lead. Yet, despite her many roles and responsibilities, her most important calling was within the walls of her own home. Family was everything to her. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and a pillar of strength for all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, eight of her siblings, two beloved sons (Randall & Robert), a cherished grandson (Jared), and a dear granddaughter (Kayli). She is survived by her devoted husband, Steven; her loving children Douglas (Elizabeth), Gregg (Kim), Jessica (Bret Johnson), Tarali Mills (Kenneth), Richard (Sharon), and Angela Killpack (Chad); as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love and service.
She will be missed just as fiercely as she lived and loved. We take comfort in one of the songs she often quoted: "It is Well with My Soul."
A service to honor her incredible life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a viewing preceding it at 9:30 AM, at 3007 E Nila Way, Holladay, UT 84124.
Remember and honor Elaine through an act of kindness, service, or love—just as she did every single day of her life.
Flower Delivery Notice:
To ensure proper delivery, please send all floral arrangements directly to the location of the service one hour prior to its scheduled start time. Thank you.
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