Delores Marian Elken, age 87, of Carrington, ND, passed into the loving arms of God on Saturday, November 9, 2013, of natural causes in Colorado Springs, CO, surrounded by her adoring children.

Delores was born on a farm near New Rockford, ND, to John and Christine Whetham on October 20, 1926.  Most of Delores' education was in a one room rural school in Warwick, ND, followed by graduation from New Rockford High School in 1944, before traveling to Havre, MT, for nurse's training.

Enjoying their special love of music and dance, Delores met Gordon Elken in 1946.  They married on May 25, 1947, in New Rockford and began their family of six children the following year. They lived there until 1952, when they moved to Carrington. Gordon died October 16, 2000.

For 61 years, Delores was very involved in the Carrington community and loved her Trinity family.  Her passions in life were sharing time with family and friends, gardening, cooking, reading, traveling and crafting.

Delores is loved and will be missed by 3 sons and 2 daughters:  Gary (Bonnie) Elken of Coon Rapids, MN; Debbie (Rock) Allard of DeLand, FL, Terry (Carmen) Elken of Centerville, MN, Rod (Lisa) Elken of Fairview, MT, Valerie (Brad) Cooper of Colorado Springs, CO.  In addition, Delores loved her 19 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, her daughter Julie; 2 grandchildren, Nikki Jo Cooper and Robert Rathe; her parents; 5 brothers and 1 sister.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Carrington Cemetery Fund.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington, ND

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 2:00 PM

INTERMENT: Carrington Cemetery, Carrington, ND