Elaine Lett

Worthy of imitation, Elaine Lett was a woman of great compassion, loyalty, and humility. Her compassion led her to reach out to those in need of encouragement and guidance, whether children, family members, or friends. Her loyalty led her to maintain relationships with patience and forgiveness, choosing to see the best in others. Her humility led her to acknowledge that God was her good and loving Father and to pursue His direction in every aspect of her life.

The 1930s were a time of fear and uncertainty for many Americans. The stock market crash of 1929 left thousands unemployed and many unsure where their next meal was coming from. On May 26, 1930, John and Blanche (Williams) Glenn of Grand Rapids, Michigan, received a welcome diversion; their first and precious daughter Elaine.

Over the years, Elaine was joined by eight siblings, and the family home at 1034 North Avenue bustled with activity. John had built that house with his own hands, and the memories made there stayed with Elaine for decades. The kids learned how to make do, go without, and work together through some hard times, and they also had their faith to strengthen and encourage them. The family attended Benjamin Street Chapel regularly, and Elaine maintained her love for the Lord throughout her life.

Elaine attended East Leonard Elementary School, and although she and her siblings had chores around the house, they spent countless hours playing with the neighborhood kids after school and on weekends. Elaine was particularly fond of ice skating with the gang. One of those neighborhood boys was Lyle Lett. She didn’t know it at the time, but he would grow up to become much more than just a kid from the old neighborhood.

While Elaine was spending happy childhood days at home and with her friends, the larger world was spiraling into turmoil as war in Europe broke out and spread. In 1941, Japan bombed the American military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, goading America into joining the conflict. Elaine’s early teens were full of patriotic efforts and constant sacrifices as area families used ration stamps to buy everything from meat, butter, and sugar to clothing, tires, and oil.

Loved ones and friends agonized as young men were drafted into the armed forces, including that “kid from the neighborhood,” Lyle Lett. Lyle left just about the time Elaine started attending Creston High School. For most of his time overseas, Lyle served as a truck driver in the Aleutian Islands and Elaine faithfully corresponded with him while he was there. Despite the distance, their letters drew them closer, and Lyle proposed to Elaine by letter shortly before he was discharged.

Elaine was delighted to accept, and on September 12, 1947, they exchanged vows at the Glenn family home. It was the beginning of decades of building a life together. They were committed to God and to each other, and both credited the Lord with the success of their marriage. Elaine worked as an aide to the Grand Rapids Public Schools social worker, and Lyle was a welder for the McInerney Spring and Wire Company. They would eventually welcome four children: Lyle, Linda, Denny, and Shelly. Elaine was a wonderful mother, and her children never doubted her love for them for a moment.

The family attended Sunshine Church and worship was a regular part of their lives, both in the church building and in their home. One of the family’s favorite pastimes was camping, mainly in Michigan and Canada, and they enjoyed singing around the campfire together. Their faith carried them through unimaginably difficult times, too, including the loss of a son in 2012.

As the family grew and grandchildren arrived, Elaine’s love just kept expanding right along with it. She adored each and every one, and great grandchildren multiplied her joy even more. Every new life balanced comfort with grief as over her long years she lost every one of her eight siblings, and in 2014 her precious granddaughter, Anna (Lett) Bentley.

Elaine found courage and joy in country and Christian music, and could often be heard singing or humming a favorite tune. She was a creative soul, always quilting, knitting, crocheting, or doing some other kind of craft. She loved to cook and bake, and enjoyed demonstrating her love for others with her pies and bread. Even though she loved home cooked meals, she wouldn’t pass up Taco Bell or McDonald’s if the opportunity arose. She was always ready to listen if a friend had a problem, and usually offered up coffee to go with it. She loved to work with children and taught Sunday school at church.

Elaine Lett was a woman who loved her family, loved her friends, and most of all, loved her Savior. She shone a light into the lives of countless people by simply being there, all the while following the one true Light of the world. Her loved ones will never forget her or how much she cared for them.

Elaine Lett died peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-six years, Lyle; her son, Lyle I. Lett; and granddaughter Anna (Lett) Bentley. She is survived by her children, Linda Wheeler, Dennis and Becky Lett, Michelle and Steven Whip, and Catherine Lett; grandchildren, Melissa Robinson, Angela Lett, Toney (Taina) Lett, Marie (Aaron) Rieley, Gary Wheeler, Tamela Lett, Adam (Pamela) Lett, Timothy (Tonya) Lett, Kaci Hill, Corey (Courtney) Hill, Matthew (Kelly) Whip, Benjamin (Sabrina) Whip, and Gabrielle (Jacob) Soltysiak; as well as many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and special friends.

A service to remember and celebrate Elaine’s life will be held on Friday, August 2, at 11 AM at New Community Church, 2340 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Friends are invited to visit with Elaine’s family on Thursday, August 1, from 4-7 pm at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. Memorial contributions to Edison Christian Health Center are appreciated. To share a memory or favorite photo, or to sign the online guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.