Carrie Edna Gililland Elder

Carrie Edna Gililland Elder, 92, of Flora Vista, died at her home on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. She was born, along with her twin sister Mary Etta, on May 5, 1917, in El Vado, to Lloyd J. Gililland and Dove Etta Dollins Gililland. Carrie also had one other sister, Pauline; and four brothers, George, James, Clifford and Byron. Carrie married Charles Milton Elder on Oct. 3, 1934, in Dolores, Colo. They lived there for a short time and spent time in Cortez, Colo., where their son, Charles Lloyd, was born on Aug. 30, 1935. They moved to Tooele, Utah, where their daughter, Clara Lee, was born on July 22, 1937. Carrie and Charlie moved around to several different states and finally, after many years of traveling, moved back to New Mexico to be near their extended family and friends. Carrie had many trials and some sad times in her life. Her mother died when Carrie and Mary were 13 years old. Their father sent the girls to Tennessee to live with an aunt for several years. In October 1960, Carrie and Charlie's only son was killed on the island of Guam while serving in the U.S. Navy. It was shortly after his death that they moved to New Mexico. Carrie was a wonderful cook and always trying new recipes on her family and friends. She loved to sew and was a beautiful seamstress. Her hobby that she loved more than anything was knitting. Her family and friends have been given beautiful afghans, doilies and sweaters. Carrie was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; her son, Charles; her parents; her stepmother, Ethel; her four brothers, her oldest sister and her twin sister, Mary. Carrie is survived by her daughter, Clara Lee Waite and spouse, Warren, of Meridian, Idaho. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Laura Kay, Charles, LeAnna, Brian and James, all living in Idaho; by 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dolores Gililland; and numerous nieces and nephews. My mother was a very independent lady. She lived her final years as she wanted and did some fun things along the way. Our little Energizer Bunny's batteries just finally gave out. She is ours eternally now. She knows we love her and will miss her. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 East Ute Street Farmington, New Mexico 87401 (505) 325-8688