R. Elaine Skiles

Memorials suggested to the Franklin EMT's or Grace Lutheran Church.

Ruth Elaine (Bowers) Skiles was born in the “Dirty” 30’s September 1, 1931, one mile east of Holbrook, Nebraska to her parents Louis J. Bowers and Henrietta M. Puls. As an infant, Elaine was baptized in the Lutheran Church at Cambridge, Nebraska and later confirmed May 27, 1945, at Arapahoe, Nebraska.

She attended Lathrop Grade School, then moved north of Arapahoe to attend Immanuel Lutheran School. There, the Bowers children were the envy of the 40 German speaking students as they were privileged enough to drive a horse and cart 2 ½ miles to school. While Elaine was staying with a girlfriend in Arapahoe, she attended Arapahoe High School for three years. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1949.

Elaine married the love of her life Lyle Skiles in Oxford, Nebraska on January 30, 1955. Together they raised four children into his happy family and made 68 years of wonderful memories in and around the Franklin, Nebraska area.

Elaine’s hobbies included sewing and quilting many quilts for missions and family members. She belonged to the Art Group. Watercolor and acrylic paintings were a favorite.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Henrietta; her brothers Rolland and Lloyd Bowers; sister-in-law Carolyn Bowers and a stepbrother Selby Meir. Left to mourn her passing are husband Lyle Skiles; children Teri Jelken (Dennis), Marcia Schriner (Gordon), Anita O’Neill (Kevin), and Blaine Skiles (Kathy); sister-in-law Violet Bowers; sister Wanda Watson (Ed); fifteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; two and a half great, great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30am Monday, August 14^th, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, Franklin, Nebraska with Pastor David Hutson officiating. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin. Memorials are suggested to the Franklin EMT’s or Grace Lutheran Church. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin assisted the Skiles family with these arrangements.