Elaine Marguerite Chmelka Wescoatt Irvin Watt passed away unexpectantly in the early morning of August 3, 2026, in Woodland, California at the age of 100. Her goal was to reach 100 years old and on June 18, 2026, she reached her goal. On June 17, she celebrated her milestone birthday at a well-attended open house of family and friends at the club house in the Leisureville Mobile Home Park, Woodland, CA where she lived for the last 20 years. She considered the party a celebration of her life which she thoroughly enjoyed. Elaine was asked over and over again what was the secret for her long life. She always said the same thing: Trust God, Eat Healthy, Think Positive. These three secrets led her to a life well lived.
On June 18, 1926, Elaine Margaurite was born to James and Ruby Chmelka in Nebraska. When she was two years, her family made the long journey from Nebraska to Northern California. They settled in Chico, California where she lived with her parents and her five siblings. She attended school in Chico including Chico State University where she earned a teaching degree. Her first teaching job was in Williams, California, where she met and married her first husband, Floyd Wescoatt. Together they raised five children on a farm in Williams. She lived in Williams until it was time for her to move closer to her doctor in Woodland. Her favorite things were her family, gardening, God, church, playing the piano, cooking, decorating, crossword puzzles, reading, Facebook, texting, and emailing. When her eyes grew dim from macular degeneration, it did not slow her down. She simply bought a bigger magnifying glass and larger font on her Kindle. She lived her life all the way to her last breath with determination, strength, and faith.
Elaine is survived by her children Riy Wescoatt (Placido), Janet Dawley (Ernie), Doug Wescoatt (Susie), Jennifer Sweet. She is survived by her grandchildren Suzie and Bill (Michelle) Dawley, Marie and Erika (Ryan) Wescoatt, Robert Struckmeyer; great grandchildren Wyatt, Matthew, Elizabeth Dawley, Dakota Phillips, Julyessa, Adrianna, Cruz Struckmeyer; and aunt to several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands: Floyd Wescoatt, Jim Irvin, Denny Watt, her son Curtis Wescoatt, her son-in-law Ernie Dawley, her niece Tricia Golden, her parents and siblings.
In lieu of flowers (Elaine was allergic to flowers), please honor her life by donating in her memory to the Society for the Blind, 1238 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811. Society for the Blind provided services to Elaine for years due to macular degeneration. A private family graveside service will be held at Williams Cemetery. Elaine’s family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the love and support shown to them during this difficult time.