Elaine Baum, age 83 of Bullhead City AZ, formerly of Helena MT, passed away in Helena on July 19, 2025, at her daughter's home with family by her side.

She was born in Butte America, the 5th of 6 children on February 23, 1942, to Roy and Esmeralda (LaChaine) Mehring.

Elaine graduated in 1960 from Butte Central Girls Catholic School where she made many friends and cherished memories singing in the choir and playing the baritone in the band.  She then briefly attended Carrol College.

For many years, Elaine co-chaired the Lewis and Clark County Fair and attended many fair conventions throughout the United States. She was amazing at the job she did and took great pride in her work at the fairgrounds.  Her car had custom license plates that read "Love A Fair".

She was also a wonderful cheerleader for her daughters, traveling all over the state to watch them compete in swimming, track, and cross-country.

For a time, she worked as a bookkeeper for the Montana Power Company and participated in the 1965 MPC Kilowatt Classic bowling tournament.  She won the "Tailender" trophy and had her picture taken for coming in last place which she thought was a hilarious honor.  She also worked for the United States Fidelity and Guarantee Company.  Then she went to American Federal Savings and Loan, now known as Opportunity Bank, where she worked in loan servicing for 20 plus years before retiring in 2004.

Elaine moved to Bullhead City AZ in 2004 where she and her husband resided at the Fiesta RV Resort.  She was their Association Treasurer and had many friends with whom she enjoyed playing dominos, pinochle and other card games.  She also enjoyed participating in water aerobics and was a member of the Red Hats Society.  She faithfully attended St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church where she was a member of the choir.  Every Sunday when she spoke with her daughters she would say "I sang real pretty today".

Although retired, she continued working during the summers alongside her husband as a campground host in Island Park, Yellowstone Park and most recently Bryce Canyon.  She loved sitting around the campfire and making s'mores.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 33 years Ralph Schmoldt, her former spouse Edwin Baum and their children Heidi (Scott) Blossom, Reneé (David) Stack and Monica (Jim) Finley; grandchildren Caitlin Dreesen, Tiffani Finley, Bryce Blossom, Reese Blossom and Tara Finley; great grandchildren Amelia King and Eriwynn O'Connell; brother LeRoy Mehring and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Roy and Esmeralda Mehring, brothers Marcel, Leon and Paul and sister Jeanine, nephews Jimmy, Earl, Errwyn and Christopher and niece Betsy.

Cremation has taken place, and a funeral mass will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday August 5, 2025, at the St. Helena Cathedral 530 N Ewing St, Helena MT.  Reception to follow at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds Rustic Shelter, 98 West Custer Ave, Helena MT.

Memorial donations can be made to the Helena Fairgrounds Foundation, PO Box 225, Helena MT  59624 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to thank St. Peters Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Elaine.