Elaine Salanitro, 84 of New Sharon passed away Friday morning, November 15, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the McVay Center in New Sharon beginning at 3:00 pm.  A light lunch will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to help take care of Elaine's dog, Daisy, and may be made in the family's name to create the memorial. Memorials may be sent to the Holland-Coble Funeral Home; In Care of Elaine Salanitro; P.O. Box 85; New Sharon, Iowa 50207. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements.

Elaine Yvonne Salanitro, the daughter of Merlin and Lavonn (Cheney) Faas, was born on August 26, 1940 in Davenport, Iowa. She graduated from North English High School in 1958. On June 8, 1958, Elaine was united in marriage to Richard Smith. To this union three children were born, Cindy, Carey and Kevin. Elaine first was a homemaker, before waitressing, over the road trucking and working several years at Maytag. Elaine then worked at Casey's in New Sharon before working at Pella Regional Health Center and Mahaska Health Partnership in housekeeping.

In 1979, Elaine was married to Alfred Salanitro in Las Vegas. She was an animal lover and enjoyed watching animal videos on Facebook. She also enjoyed doing word searches, cooking and baking in her younger years and attending Christian Concerts.

She is survived by her husband, Al Salanitro of New Sharon; her grandchildren, Dustin Richards of Ames and Desiree Richards of Arlington, TX; two sons, Carey Smith and Kevin (Deana) Wright; her brother, Larry (Kay) Faas along with many other relatives and friends.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Cindy Richards; her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara (Bud) Thatcher and a sister-in-law, Pat Faas.