Obituaries

Elinor ‘Doodle’ Gartman

Elinor J. Gartman
Jan. 28, 1937 – Nov. 19, 2025

ELBERTA — Elinor Jean “Doodle” (Kaechele) Gartman, 88, passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2025.

Elinor lived a life centered on faith, family, strength, and creativity. As the eldest of 10 children, she learned responsibility, resilience, and devotion at a young age, qualities that shaped her entire life.

She loved art, cherished the Lord, and found her greatest joy in time spent with her family, especially camping trips and creative days in her workshop, where she made art side by side with her grandchildren. Many throughout her life knew her by her childhood nickname, “Doodle,” a name that stayed with her through the years.

On Nov. 12, 1952, Elinor married the love of her life, Cecil Gartman. Together they raised five children and built a life rooted in faith, hard work and devotion to their growing family. Their partnership remained a source of strength for her throughout her life.

Elinor’s life held both trials and blessings, and though the challenges were often heavy, she never gave up. She never wavered in her faith. Her quiet resilience and steadfast spirit defined her. She loved her family and friends with devotion and never forgot her church.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Thelma Kaechele; beloved husband, Cecil Gartman; her children, Debbie and Scotty; and her brothers, Bud, Jimmy, Lex, Geezer, and Corky.

She is survived by her siblings Chick Kaechele, Madelyn Tucker, Pi Riemer, and Chuck Kaechele. Her children, Jamie (Sherry), Becky (Neal), and Todd (Cathy); her grandchildren, Michael (KC), Shellie (Nathan), Kristin, Haley, Grace (Eric), and Meredith (Zack); and her great-grandchildren, McCoy, Baylor, Matthew, and Palmer.

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A Witness to the Resurrection service was Saturday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m. at Swift Presbyterian Church. Visitation was from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. Refreshments were offered by Swift Church after the graveside service.

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