Christine Elam

Christine L. Elam, age 91, passed away September 28, 2011 in Youngtown, Az. Christine was born December 20, 1919 in Shafter Township, Illinois to William Edgar Etcheson and Rosa Blankenship Etcheson. She was raised and attended schools in Shafter and later attended Business College. She married Marvin R. Elam in 1940 and Marvin and she together pastored at over 20 churches in six different states until their retirement in 1990. They served in Wickenburg at the First Southern Baptist Church from 1964-1967 and retired from Colfax Baptist Church in Chanute, Ks. They came back to Wickenburg in 1995. She was an active member to the First Southern Baptist Church and a member of the Bible Study Group and had served as a greeter for many years at the church. Christine also enjoyed Senior Game Day at the Church. She gave much of her life in service to others in her later years she was an avid reader. She most enjoyed spending time with family and her grandchildren. Christine was preceded in death by her husband Marvin R. Elam, parents William and Rosa Etcheson, brothers: Roy, Edgar, Jesse, and Maurice and grandson John Hull. She is survived by children: Robert (Ruby) Elam of Mesa, Az., Doris (Larry) Ritter of Wittmann, Della (Paul) Petersen of Wickenburg, Alma (Gary) Melton of Surprise, Sherl McKelvy of Kernersville, NC., and brother Donald (Bernice) Etcheson of Vandalia, Illinois. 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the First Southern Baptist Church with visitation from 10:00AM until service time at church. Friends may offer online condolences at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com