Elaine Marlene Des Roches

Elaine Marlene Des Roches was called home to Jesus on February 4th, 2026. She died peacefully with her loving husband, Fred Des Roches, by her side holding her hand. Fred and Elaine were in their 70th year of marriage.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents William and Muriel Guth, her loving sisters Muriel Wendeburg, Shirley Guth and Beverly Knowles. Elaine is survived by her husband Frederick Des Roches, her children Jeffery DesRoches (Gina), Michael Des Roches (Peggy), Michele Tebo (Alan), Stephen Des Roches (Jan), Denise Kropf (Mark), James Des Roches (Heather). Elaine was blessed with 13 beautiful grandchildren, 9 incredible great grandchildren, her sister-in-law Louise Platz and brother-in-law Robert Des Roches (Robbi), many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Elaine loved her family immensely and was the happiest when she was with them.

Elaine was born on September 27th, 1935 in Jamaica, New York. She resided on Long Island raising her family in Smithtown until she and Fred retired to Hendersonville, North Carolina in 1997. Elaine loved being in the mountains of North Carolina with her sister Muriel, her son Steve, daughter Denise and their families.

Everyone who knew Elaine has a fun, wonderful memory of her generosity, kindness and love. No one was a stranger to her. Elaine loved to cook and bake, sew and create, write stories and make greeting cards. She also loved going to church, traveling, playing cards and games, the beach and ocean, being outside in nature and she loved animals! Besides having a house full of children she had many, many dogs, cats, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, birds, turtles, frogs, fish and snakes…I’m sure I’m missing a few…maybe a lot!

Elaine made every holiday and birthday special. She celebrated life to the fullest and she is going to be missed by all the people she touched. She will especially be missed by her family but we know she will be waiting for us in heaven for a glorious celebration. Elaine was like the sun and shone her love, joy and laughter onto everyone she met.

Visitation for Elaine will be on Wednesday, February 18th from 3:00 to 4:30 pm at Groce Lake Julian Funeral Home at 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC 28704. Following the visitation family and friends are welcome to stay and join us in saying the Rosary in honor of Elaine at 4:30.

Elaine’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 19th at 10:30 am at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden, NC 28704.

Elaine’s burial will be on Thursday, February 19th at 2:00 pm NC Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US 70 Highway, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice or one of the following:
St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden, NC 28704.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM)
Four Seasons Hospice Hendersonville

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.