Elaine Koster Kjar Tanner 1919 ~ 2007 Our wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away Saturday, February 17, 2007. She was 87-years-old. Elaine was born November 15, 1919 in Burley, Idaho, to Josephine Mcfarland and John Phillip Koster. She was the second of 12 children. She married Louis Clinton Kjar, May 24, 1941 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had three children and raised them in Midvale, Utah. He died November 20, 1978. She married her longtime friend and associate, Dr. Noall Z.. Tanner in 1984. He died July 10, 1986. Elaine graduated from Ogden High School in 1937, and continued with her education, receiving her R.N. from Thomas D. Dee Memorial Nursing School in 1940. She loved nursing and dedicated her life to helping others. She was the surgical supervisor at the Dee Memorial Hospital, and in 1947 became a supervisor and surgical nurse at the Tanner Memorial Clinic, Layton, Utah. She was active with the Red Cross, and served as Director for the State of Utah. She worked with programs such as Emergency Care and Crisis Intervention and also set up programs for unwed mothers and prenatal and baby care. While stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma, she set up Immunization Clinics in offices and schools. Involvement in the community led her to join The Ladies Literary Club and The Utah Federation of Women's Clubs. Serving as President, she incorporated many community and building improvements. Civic duties extended as a member of the Women's Safety Council of Salt Lake, The Women's State Legislative Council, Davis County Medical Auxiliary and The Woman's Adoption Clinic Board of Directors. Elaine was an integral part in crime prevention programs for the community. As co-chairman of the Hands Up Committee, and working with the community, law enforcement, and government officials, many valuable crime prevention programs were implemented in the State of Utah, including the McGruff Program. One of her favorite quotes is from George Bernard Shaw, "I am convinced that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can." Elaine loved the theater and volunteered as hospitality chairman for Pioneer Memorial Theater. She made many new friends with the actors as she transported them to and from their hotels. She was an ace bridge player and enjoyed the camaraderie of several groups. As a season ticket holder of the Utah Jazz basketball tickets, she cheered fiercely and supported them with her good friend Marie Bagley year after year. They rarely missed a game, and purple was one of her favorite colors. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. There's not one that she didn't touch with her generosity, support and love. She loved to cheer them on at their various sports events and took the time to attend as many games as she could. She also attended their many dance and piano recitals. She lived a rich, full life and left a beautiful legacy of love and service. Elaine is survived by her three children, Susan Thomas, JoAnn (Floyd) Tanner and Jeff (Kathy) Kjar; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Katherine Cook, John (Harriet) Koster, Robert (Florence) Koster, Gloria Farr, Richard (Sharon) Koster, Rey (Marsha) Koster, Helen (Richard) Sangberg and Marjorie (Robert) Snow. Preceded in death by Louis C. Kjar, Dr. Noall Z. Tanner; sisters, Louise Stewart, Betty Streeper, Patricia Wolfer-Stevens; grandson, Tony Thomas and great-grandson, Ethan Johnson. Services will be on Friday, February 23, 2007, 12:00 noon, Olympus First Ward, 4100 S. Camille (east of Olympus High School on Lincoln Lane.) Viewing will be held Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, 6-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, and at the church, 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huntsman Cancer Institute or the Ladies Literary Club of Salt Lake. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the loving care rendered by the personnel at Wentworth Creek Road and especially Travell Lucambo, Yolanda Tan, and Dr. Crystal Owens from Care Source. Online condolences, www.larkinmortuary.com
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