Elaine Kennemer died Sunday, January 1, 2023, at her home in Spring Hill. Elaine was born to Paul and Theora Russell on September 3, 1938, in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Her family moved to Texas when she was young, and she graduated from Big Spring High School.

Elaine is survived by the love of her life—her husband of 64 years, Don Kennemer. Other survivors are her two daughters, Donna Dowdy of Spring Hill, and Mandy Herring and husband Steve of Hot Springs, three grandchildren, Emma Stewart and husband Nathan of Spring Hill, Zach Clark of Texarkana, and Brody Clark and wife Stephane of Texarkana. Great-grandchildren are Tollie Bissell, Cohen Clark, Anna Claire Clark, and  Beckham Clark. And special friend Kay Rider.

Elaine was the owner of Elaine’s Final Touch in downtown Hope for more than 30 years. She always welcomed shoppers to her store to help them pick a perfect gift or just to let them browse. Elaine was known for the most beautifully decorated Christmas trees and unique ornaments for the annual Chamber of Commerce open house. She loved her store and the many friends she met over the years who shopped with her. 

Her family would like to thank Dierksen Hospice and Collom and Carney Oncology for their exceptional care. 

No public service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Dierksen Hospice of Texarkana or Arkansas Autism Partnership.