Elaine Kearnes Groth

Click Here To View Memorial Video Elaine Kearnes Groth, 97, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away April 9, 2016. She was born December 2, 1918, in Logan, Utah, to Walter and Emily Davis. She grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. She married William Ashton in 1937 and they had 2 children, William David and Monnette Louise. She married E. Jay Kearnes in 1948 until his passing in 1977. Her golden years were spent with Ray E. Groth whom she married in 1984. They enjoyed 18 wonderful years together until Ray passed away in 2002.

Elaine started working at the age of 14. She worked for numerous local companies including Old Faithful Beverage, Idaho Falls Battery, Hammond Music, and St. Clair, Hiller, Wood, & McGrath. It was in 1936 that she became involved in local politics. This is when the fiery red head really made her mark in Idaho. She was active in the Republican Party for 36 years as Precinct Committee leader, Secretary Treasurer of both the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee and the Republican women. She was appointed by Governor Cecil B. Andrus to the Idaho State Legislature in 1971. She went on to serve 5 more terms, but not before ruffling many feathers along the way. She fought for what she believed in and was often called "The Champion of the Poor and Disabled". Over the years she was instrumental in inaugurating and funding such programs as alcoholic rehabilitation, development disability, dependent children care, and mental health and welfare. Her last term as a legislator she served on the Ways & Means committee and as Republican Caucus leader. Following her many achievements and accomplishments, she retired in 1982.

The civic activities Elaine was involved in could fill a book. She also had a great love for all sports, especially golf. She served as the local Women’s Golf Association President at both Pinecrest and the Idaho Falls Country club. This culminated with her becoming the President of Women’s Golf for the State of Idaho.

Survivors include her daughter: Monnette Bell (Roy) Reynolds; daughter in law, Patricia (Bill) Ashton; brothers, Walter (Geradine) Davis, James (Marge) Davis, Dr. Warren (Barbara) Davis, Ralph (Jeanine) Davis; step children, Susan (Ben) Banks, Bobi Holm, Mike (Jill) Groth, Terry (Sue) Groth, Richard Groth, Ray (Deidra) Groth; 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, her son William (Bill) Ashton and son in law Robert Michael Bell.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April, 18, 2016, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue. The family will visit Monday one hour prior to the services. Burial will be at Ammon Cemetery. The family would like to thank all of her wonderful friends, Fairwinds, Lily and Syringa, and Hands of Hope Hospice.

Those desiring may make contributions to The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, and NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness.) P.O. BOX 62596, Baltimore, MD, 21264-2596.

Funeral Services will be held

11 a.m. ,Monday, April 18, 2016 Wood Funeral Home 273 North Ridge Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends Monday one hour prior. Burial will be at Ammon Cemetery.