Elise Victoria Gamache Renbarger was born near Banks, ND, on January 24, 1932, to David and Helen Gamache. Eli passed away January 31, 2018, of natural causes.

Eli and Vernon were married March 22, 1952, and lived on the family farm until the fall of 2009. They then made a new home at the Horizons, where Eli lived until the time of her passing.

Eli was a busy farm wife: gardening, housework, helping in the fields, kids’ activities, homemakers and ladies aid. After Vernon passed away, Eli helped Jim with harvest in the fall of 2010. She was proud to still be able to drive and unload grain trucks at the age of 78, but after a particularly nerve-wracking trip to the last field of the season, she slammed the truck door and announced, “I’m done. That’s my last trip.”

Eli loved/hated playing softball with son, James. “He always knew exactly where I’d hit the ball. He got me out every time!” She enjoyed spending “mother-daughter” time with Carolyn, even venturing to Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska, and Pensacola, FL, to visit family. Eli and Carolyn shared a love of sewing and craft projects, sometimes Eli took the lead, sometimes Carolyn did. Eli was in the process of making plans to visit her sister, Vera, and was looking forward to the fun they’d have together, as they always did.

Vernon and Eli shared their home with several foster children over many years. They also shared their love of making music, and passed that joy onto their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eli is survived by a sister, Vera Kite; daughter Carolyn Benjamin and her family: Russel (Angela), Gabriel and Leah; Loree’(Brad) Boggess and Linley; Sheryl Borner, Tammy Benjamin and Misty Johansen and their families; and son James (Jody) and their son Cory (Amanda) and Bella.

Eli was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vernon, one grandson, Jeremiah Renbarger, and 8 siblings.