Elaine R. Padoven

Elaine R. Padoven, 85, of Salida, passed away on August 15th, 2025.

Elaine was born on September 21st, 1939, to Raymond Charles Atwood and Blanche (Gratton) Atwood in Burlington Vermont. She spent much of her early childhood on her grandmother’s farm there in Vermont until her family moved to Ware, Massachusetts, though she returned to the farm as often as possible.

Upon graduation from high school, she worked for New England Telephone and Telegraph until she enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on January 4th, 1960. Elaine served in the U.S. Marine Corp for two years and was honorably discharged on May 5th, 1961.

Elaine married Ralph G. Padoven on April 22nd, 1961, in Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, where they were both stationed together as marines.

Ralph and Elaine then moved to Salida Colorado. Elaine worked for Mountain Bell Telephone until they closed the Salida office on February 24th, 1973. They had two children: Tracey M. Guccione and David R. Pavoven in 1962 and 1964 respectively.

When Ralph’s mother, Helen, died, the family moved out to the ranch and Elaine became a homemaker, ranch hand and took on all the bookkeeping and business end of the ranch. There they raised cattle and hay for many years. They eventually sold the cattle but continued to raise hay. Ralph and Elaine enjoyed 15 years of traveling to Arizona for the winters. Where they made many good friends until Raph’s death in January of 2017. Elaine remained at their ranch home until her death.

Elaine is survived by her children: Tracey M. (Pete) Guccione and David R. Padoven, brother Charles (Eileen) Atwood, Aunt Janice Gratton, sister-in-law Joanie Padoven, two grandchildren, two nephews and many cousins.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph, brother-in-law Richard L. Padoven, in-laws Helene Padoven and Guy Padoven and Aunt Genevieve Oberle.

A service will be announced at a later-date. In care of Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.

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