Elaine Virginia Wetzel Good, 87, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, at Saint Andrew’s Village.
Elaine was born on April 7, 1937, in Indiana, Pennsylvania to Opal Virginia (Spence) and William Sherwood Wetzel. As a child, Elaine lived in Kutztown, Wysox, and finally, in the big house at 1010 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA. This was “home”, along with her parents, her sister Opal, and four brothers – Perry, Richard, Paul, and Gerald. As the next youngest, she was the adored baby sister, and the endless stories of adventures with four brothers have given rise to extensive family lore! Elaine attended Thaddeus Stevens School with many that would become lifelong friends. In high school she was involved with the Sendracs theatre productions, and as a senior, she received the “Danforth Foundations Award” for outstanding leadership in religious activities.
Elaine graduated from the Indiana Joint High School in 1955 and enrolled at Indiana State Teachers College. During those years, while singing in the Calvary Presbyterian Church choir, she met the young man who would become her husband, Sherman Eugene Good. Their courtship continued when Elaine transferred to the University of Pittsburgh for her Nursing degree. On June 6, 1958, she and Sherman were married and settled in Latrobe, Pennsylvania to begin their new life together. Elaine commuted between home and Pittsburgh, graduating from Pitt with her BSN degree in 1961. While raising her family, she worked as a staff nurse and Nursing Instructor in Obstetrics, and also found time to be active in her community and church for the eight years they lived in Latrobe. Before long, Elaine and Sherm felt the tug to move back to Indiana where they built “the house on the hill.”
While continuing to work part-time, Elaine completed additional graduate credits, and in 1971 shifted her career to the Indiana Area School District as Elementary School Nurse. She traveled between Eisenhower, Horace Mann, and Ben Franklin Elementary Schools, eventually moving to full-time Junior High School Nurse. Elaine was a listening ear and a “mom away from mom” for countless students throughout her career. She was known for offering the choice of “green stingy stuff” or “soft white cream” as a remedy for boo-boos, with a finishing touch of a painted betadine smiley face on the hand. She offered a place to lie down and a BiSoDoL mint for tummy aches; a shower, extra clothing, and a hug for those in need; and gave older students opportunities to help her during study halls. She was well-loved during her long career as she gave counsel and friendship to students and faculty alike.
During these years of career and family raising, the home on Ober Road was a hub for togetherness: hosting church group fellowship evenings and family reunions, sled riding and birthday parties, volleyball, and homemade ice-cream gatherings, traveling student musicians and camp counselors. Elaine was always ready to open her home and set another place at the table.
Over the years, Elaine spent summer months as camp nurse at SB2W resident camp in Boswell, PA, and served as camp director for SB2W at Graystone Church. She also spent several years as Graystone’s Wedding Coordinator and was a member of the Stephen’s Ministry team. She enjoyed her Creative Memories business and was a successful Unit Leader, hosting numerous workshops and classes, and encouraging those who came to “get those pictures in an album!” She was active in the Indiana Garden Club and eventually served as vice president and president. Year after year, Elaine showcased her talents at the Indiana County Fair, winning accolades for sewing and knitting projects, pies, breads, and canned goods.
In addition to cultivating blueberry bushes and flower gardens, scrapbooking and volunteering, Elaine loved the thrill of an auction. Sitting quietly, ready to raise her bidding number in a flash to clinch the deal – this was her outlet for collecting beautiful dishes and glassware, period furniture, and antique dolls and collectibles. Elaine loved history and loved passing on stories from one generation to the next. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution with her sister Opal, and a faithful supporter of the Indiana Civil War Wildcat Regiment band. As her dementia progressed in her final years, Elaine was marked by gratefulness. She continued to sing the old hymn “Precious Lord, Lead Me Home” and then the singing turned to humming, and the humming turned to sleeping. Now she is home!
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Elaine is survived by her husband Sherman, four children: Kimberly Ibarra of Lancaster, PA, Larry Good (Vonnie) of Dallas, OR, Jennifer Hanson (Peter) of Lake Stevens, WA, Rochelle Calvetti (Greg) of Mt. Lebanon, PA, and ten grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Opal Stockwell and three brothers: Richard, Paul, and Gerald. She was preceded in death by her father (William), mother (Opal), brother (Billy), sister (Margaret), and brother (Perry.)
Visitation will be from 4-7PM on Thursday, April 25th and 4-7PM on Friday, April 26th at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at Graystone Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 27th at 4PM with visitation beginning at 3PM. Contributions in her memory can be made to Graystone Presbyterian Church Women’s Ministry.
Please visit www.bowserminich.com to share your condolences and memories with the family.
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