Elaine M Bancroft's Obituary
Elaine (Molmen) Bancroft, age 91, died December 13, 2018 in Redlands following several years of progressive disability caused by Alzheimer's Disease. Elaine lived her childhood in Sheldon, a small town in northwest Iowa where her family owned and operated a dairy products business. Elaine was the middle child of seven, two boys and five girls. Elaine moved to Des Moines following graduation from high school and was employed in the rural carrier office of the Register and Tribune newspaper. On August 15, 1945 she met John, her lifelong loving companion, whom she married on September 1, 1946.
Elaine and John lived in Davenport, IA for 13 years where their three sons were born between 1949 and 1955. Elaine was primarily a stay-at-home mother and was involved in various community activities. She was president of the Education Wives in 1961-62 when the family resided in Iowa City. The family moved to San Bernardino in 1962. After their three sons had gone to college, Elaine completed an AA degree at San Bernardino Valley College. She took a ceramics course that she thoroughly enjoyed and followed that interest to become an accomplished potter. Elaine was president of the SBVC Faculty Wives during 1974-75. Elaine and John's lives were enriched by their extensive RV travels throughout North America and internationally in China, Norway and the British Isles. In 1980 Elaine and John became very involved in peace activities in Redlands. They received the Congressman Brown Ambassador of Peace Award in 2005. They established the Bancroft Peace and Justice Scholarship in 1988. Contributions to honor Elaine may be made to the SBVC Foundation, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Ave, San Bernardino CA 92410.
Elaine is survived by her loving family: John, her husband for 72 years, her children Gary (Sue) of Crestline, David (Beth Ulmer) of Highland and Robert (Celeste) of Vallejo and a sister, Shirley Hammer of Missouri. No services are planned.
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