Elaine Stotsenberg (Peters) Smith

Elaine Stotsenberg Smith (Peters), a beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and world traveler, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Born on March 4, 1930, in McHenry, North Dakota, Elaine lived a remarkable life filled with adventure, love, and dedication to her family and passions.

Elaine spent her early years in the farming community of North Dakota before moving to Farmington, Washington during her youth. She attended school in Farmington until her final high school year when her family relocated to Rosalia, Washington. Elaine graduated from Rosalia High School in 1948 and went on to pursue higher education at Eastern Washington State College in Cheney, Washington, earning a teaching certificate that would shape her lifelong career as an educator.

Elaine’s teaching journey began at the elementary level in Orofino, Idaho and extended to community college instruction at Clover Park in Tacoma, Washington. In the early 1960s, she also drove special needs school buses for the Franklin Pierce and South Kitsap School Districts. Her passion for education and connecting with others led her to establish her own business, American Cultural Exchange. Through this endeavor, Elaine welcomed students from around the globe into her life and maintained cherished relationships with them until her passing. She found immense joy in learning about different cultures and forming lasting friendships.

Elaine was a woman of many talents and interests. She had a deep love for sewing and created beautiful quilts, clothing, and other projects with great skill. A lover of games and cards, she enjoyed playing bridge as well as Kings Corners with her grandchildren. Elaine also had a passion for travel—whether by cruise ship, motorhome, train, or car—and explored the world extensively. Her adventures took her across Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Africa, Europe, South America and beyond. Along the way she visited friends old and new while marveling at the beauty of different landscapes.

Elaine’s faith was an important part of her life. She attended the First Christian Church for many years during her first marriage and carried Jesus in her heart at the end of her life. She often reflected on God’s creation of a beautiful world—a sentiment that resonated deeply with her love of travel and appreciation for life’s wonders.

Family was everything to Elaine. She is lovingly remembered by three children: Daniel F. Stotsenberg; Fredric L. Stotsenberg (Luciana); Kristi S. Steffen (Scott); one stepson: Jeff Smith (Monica); five grandchildren: Aaron W. Stotsenberg; Jillian L. Steffen; Jacob P. Steffen; Erick V. Stotsenberg; Jessica V. Stotsenberg; as well as numerous friends whose lives she touched over the years.

Elaine is preceded in death by two husbands: F. Laurence Stotsenberg (1952–1969) and Wallace A. Smith (1969–1986); her parents Ruth & Guy Peters; siblings Irene E. Enger (Bert), Helen J. Miller (Fred), Walter A. Peters (Doris); grandson Fredric L. Stotsenberg; and stepson Mark H. Smith.

Elaine’s legacy is one of love for family and friends, an adventurous spirit that embraced new experiences wholeheartedly, and an enduring commitment to education and cultural exchange that enriched countless lives around the world.

May Elaine’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her as they celebrate a life well-lived filled with joy, connection, and discovery.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 30, 2026, from 02:45 PM to 03:15 PM at Mountainview Cemetery Mountain View Cemetery Road. A Celebration of Life gathering will immediately follow at Farmington Community Center on Main Street.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to either, OHannah.house Ministries of Kitsap County or Samaritanspurse.org In remembrance of Elaine P. Stotsenberg Smith.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elaine Stotsenberg (Peters) Smith, please visit our floral store.