Dolly Elingburg

dolly elingburg
Roberta "Dolly" Grant Straine Elingburg, 66, of Mountain Meadow Circle, Weaverville, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2009 at her residence. A native of Coronado, CA, she was the daughter of the late Lt. Col. Robert Grant and Edith May Coumbe Straine. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Sally Norma Straine Parsons. She is survived by her loving husband, J. Ray Elingburg; two daughters, Julie Elingburg Gifford and her husband, Richard Lee Gifford, of Walhalla, SC and Jennifer Elingburg of Asheville; one granddaughter, Sabrina Gifford Cody and her husband, Todd; two grandsons, Richard Lee Gifford, II and his wife, Leslie and Kenneth Dee Gifford; three great-granddaughters; two nieces, Rebecca and Roberta Parsons and one nephew, Christopher Parsons and their families, all of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A Remembrance Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August 8 at Skyland United Methodist Church. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to WNC Cancer Care, 445 Biltmore Center, Ste 100, Asheville, NC 28803 or to the John F. Keever, Jr. Hospice Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

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  1. A beautiful lady always in her appearance and personality. Our thoughts are with the family at this time. God Bless to you all.

  2. have known this sweet lady since 1960.. she caused a stir at lee h. edwards with her beauty,charm and friendship to us wall flowers….
    last 5 years i always saw her when i visited asheville…. she was so brave and a mentor to many….
    am blessed by knowing her and jennifer and julie are a wonderful refection of their wonderful mother
    GOD BLESS DOLLY AND HER FAMILY

  3. I went to high school with Dolly and remember her wonderful smile. So sorry cancer cut her life short. My condolences to her family…I know she was loved and will be truly missed. God bless you, Dolly.

    Betty Jo

  4. We liked Dolly the first time we met her… so thankful to have known her, even for a short time! Her radiant presence and beautiful smile will linger with us always. Blessings and Love to all the Elingburgs and Joy to Dolly in Heaven! Affectionately, Ginny & Jack

  5. I have such great memories of the ‘Dolly and Holly ‘ team . It was like it was just yesterday. I am a blessed person having known Dolly and having had her touch my life. My prayers and Masses are offered for your family.

  6. We are so sad that you have lost Dolly. She was a wonderful vibrant person, always with a smile. We have enjoyed knowing her over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

  7. Julie and Rick, please offer my heartfelt sympathies to all who loved Dolly. Her card and phone call meant the world to me. I know her smile will be missed by many. Love you, Deb

  8. My first meeting with Dolly was special and I immediately knew that she was a special lady. My heart goes out to my daughter-in-law, Julie, and the rest of the family. God Bless each of you.

  9. Dolly,
    Your sparkling smile and eyes will be with us always! My thoughts and prayers are with Ray, Julie, Jennifer and all the family.
    Michele Stratta

  10. Dear Julie , Jennifer and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, I remember her as such a sweet lady. I lost my Mom to cancer 2 years ago, so I know what you are going through. Please knoe that you will all be in my thoughts and prayes.
    Take Care

  11. Madeline and I send our condolences during these times.
    Our love to you Ray and to your family.

  12. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ray, and all your family. Dolly was such a wonderful person and a ray of sunshine to everyone who came in contact with her. Heaven is certainly a brighter place today!

  13. Ray & family – Our deepest sympathy is extended to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that we are as close as a phone call should you need anything. Our prayer is that God will give you comfort and strength.

  14. Dear Jennifer, Please know that I am thinking of you and of your family during this time of loss.

  15. Ray and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Dolly was a dear friend who will be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless and comfort you as only He can.

  16. Dear Jennifer, Julie, and Ray, I am so sad with you. I got to first know Dolly at the YWCA (she had such good balance on the step aerobics) and so many of us grew to love her. She and I had some good conversations about Jennifer. I want you to know how proud of you she was. I remember you, Jennifer, fondly from Hill Street. I have thought of Dolly often and am so sorry that we have lost her, but the sweet memories of her will always stay with us. Pantha Penley

  17. Dear Ray & Family,
    I am so sorry to hear of Dolly’s passing. She was one sweet woman who always had a kind word and sweet smile for anyone who met her. Please know I pray for you and your family. What a wonderful woman and beautiful person she was.

  18. Dear Julie & family,
    I feel priveledged to have known your beautiful Mom.
    Caring thoughts & prayers are with you all.
    Sincerly,
    Sandy & Max Wigington

  19. Julie and family I am so sorry for this sad time in your lives. Dolly was a beautiful woman both inside and out and I know you will miss her so much. I feel blessed to have known her. May God be with all of you during this time.

  20. Dearest Ray, Julie and Jennifer,
    Wishing God’s comfort for you and your families. May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish. What a beautiful and wonderful person we have lost. She was always nice to me and I will miss her sweet smile.
    In Deepest Smypathy.

  21. Julie,

    On behalf of myself and my family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I still miss my mom every day, but I have so many wonderful memories that live on in my mind. It is these that I go to whenever I am down and out, and these memories still cheer me up.

    May God comfort you and console you and your family during this time of grief.

    Thinking of you.

    Gary Isbell

  22. Ray, Julie and Jennifer —
    The world lost a truly beautiful person when Roberta passed away. My comfort is that she no longer has to fight the disease that wasted her body and robbed us all of her light. I wish I could have known her even better than I did, because I have been impressed with her ever since she was born.
    Love to all of you,
    Carl

  23. Julie and family, your family is in my prayers. May God greatly bless you now and help heal you and comfort your thoughts.

  24. Ray, Julie and Jennifer,

    Dolly was truly a beautiful person inside and out. I met both of you at Asheville-Biltmore, spending many classes with Dolly. She was always smiling and friendly. She will be greatly missed by all the Elingburgs. Ken and I send our deepest sympathy to you and the girls.

    Ken & Carolyn Elingburg

  25. My sincerest sympathies to all of you. Dolly and Sally were two of the sweetest friends I have ever had. I look forward to seeng you at the memorial. Love, Judy

  26. Our deepest sympathies to the family. Dolly was a fine lady who touched many of us during her short stay with us here on earth. She will be missed by all.

  27. We shared the wonderful trip to Mt Rushmore with Dolly and Ray. Was saddened to hear of her passing.

  28. Julie,

    We love you! Your mom was truly a special lady who enjoyed life and brought much joy to others. I shall always remember Dolly and her beautiful smile and her happy nature.

    The memories you have of your mom are to be treasured and I’m confident that God will use these memories to help ease the pain during the days ahead.

    The courage you all have shown on this journey, both in Dolly’s illness and her passing from this earth to be with God in her heavenly home is truly inspirational.

    May God continue to comfort and encourage you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love,

    Brenda & Gary Isbell

  29. Julie and Family,
    A.C. and I are so sorry for your loss. We hope you find solace in knowing she is at rest.

  30. Dolly was a close friend in High School. I will remember her for her warmth, honesty, and for her beautiful smile. My condolences to all her family and friends.

    Bonnie Lamb

  31. Ray, I am so sorry for your loss. A good friend of mine, Sefus Stewart told me she was a great lady. I have known all of the Elingburg family since our ball playing days, and have so much respect for all of you. Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to all your family.

  32. Dear Julie & Jennifer, Your Mother was a beautiful spirit. Even thou I did not know her very well I do know she was a wonderful & Loving Mother by the way you both (Julie and Jennifer) look at life. Always a smile on your face and HAPPY! You will see her again in Heaven and I know she is your Guarding Angel.

    Take care!

    Missy Brown Pampel

  33. I knew Dolly at Lee Edwards High School and she was a truly lovely person and I am so glad to have known her. I do know she is in a better place now so God bless you my dear.

    Susan Stamey Hickman

  34. Dear Ray Julie Jennifer and family – Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Dolly. Dolly was always one of my favorite people, her smile,her cheerfulness and her upbeat attitude. Always think of her as I drive down New Stock Rd. and ther is the pretty stucco home she always wanted. I am glad you did that for her Ray. Jennifer,come see me – same house, same me just sadder with all the loss we have endured. May the Grace of God be with you all. Love Connie scotchie

  35. Dear Ray, Julie and Jennifer,

    To say that I am so sorry sounds so shallow. Each of you has lost the love of your life.

    Julie and Jennifer, I do not know you but I can empathize with you. When I lost my Mother, my world changed forever and yours will also. Grief will become your best friend and I wish an angel could come and take all your heart ache away. Julie and Jennifer, I promise that in time your grief will become more bearable but my heart is so heavy as I think of the days ahead for you.

    Ray, you meant the world to my Mother and she would be devastated about Dolly and to know that you are grieving. We have shared this special friendship with you for thirty years.

    May God give each of you the strength to endure. May you find His promise to be true, ‘That He will not leave you comfortless.’

    With much concern and care for each of you and your family in the days ahead. Again, words are so shallow but I wanted to try to convey the thoughts in my heart to all.

    Sincerely,
    Dianne B. Phillips

  36. Our deepest sympathies from the Brown family go out to you folks.
    We’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

  37. My deepest sympathy to each of you. May you find comfort in knowing that others are thinking and praying for you during these difficult days. Dolly was a wonderful person and her smile was contagious.

  38. Ray, My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time of grief. Dolly was a special person and will be missed by all who knew her.

  39. Dear Ray and family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. My father T.G. always thought the world of all the Elingburgs.May God bless you all!
    Alice and Susan DeWeese

  40. Julie and Jennifer,

    I am sorry to read of the loss of your mother. My thoughts reach out to both of you. I know what you are going thru and how it feels not only to have lost a loved one but also a parent. May God bless you both at this time of need.

  41. Dearest JRay (Jennifer),
    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of sweet Dolly. She was always a gentle soul and one of your number one fans. Time and circumstance has moved us apart, but know that I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

    Love,
    Amber

  42. Dear Ray,
    It’s been years since I’ve seen you and Dolly, but I have wonderful memories of those times at Asheville Biltmore and beyond. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    Stephanie

  43. Julie & Jennifer,

    Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mother. I will keep your family in my prayers.

  44. On behalf of ‘The Alice Weaver Dancers’ I offer our condolences. We had the opportunity to visit with Dolly in March of 2008, when we had a reunion in Asheville. It was a great honor to be with her for so long that day. We will always remember her gratious personality and her ready smile. Her courage and fortitude in the past few years has been inspirational to all of us. We all love Dolly very much. May her memory continue to be an example for all of us.

  45. Jennifer –

    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I know how much she meant to you & your family. I will continue to pray for you & your family during this hard time. Please let me know if you need anything.

    Amanda

  46. Julie and family. Dearest friend, we were saddened to learn of your mom’s death. She was such a pleasure to be with and we enjoyed finding ‘just the right’ cards to send to Dolly from time to time.
    God bless all of you and especially our friend, Dolly.

  47. I was a friend of Dolly’s from Lee Edwards High School and always admired her love for people, her bubbly personality and a smile that could melt your heart. She continued these same traits throughout her life. I had spoken with her several years ago about her illness and was so impressed with her bravery and outlook.
    Sandy Pacheco

  48. Dolly was a high school classmate I remember fondly. I was saddened by news of her death. My sympathy to her family.

  49. I am terribly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your faith bring you comfort in this time of loss.

  50. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.Our family thought alot of you Ray. When asked for help you were always there.

  51. J RAY , SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS…MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR GIRL….PAT FOWLER JOHNSON….CARROLL FOWLER’S DAUGHTER….

  52. Dear Ray,Julia, and Jennifer. Thinking of you at this time know God will be with you. Dolly was so special and I enjoyed getting to know her. Phyllis

  53. Jennifer, Julie & J Ray,

    Please know our thoughts & prayers and our deepest sympathies are with you. My life would be much different had I not met your family, you were all so good to me growing up. It was an honor to have known her!

  54. Ray, your wife was a lovely lady, who obviously worshiped you. My deepest sympathies, but remember all of those great years. God Bless!

  55. Jennifer,

    I am so sorry for your loss. Loosing a parent is a very difficult process to go through.

  56. Jennifer and family; I am so sorry to hear today of the passing of your mama. She was so beautiful, always so nice and loved by all. I got to know her in the cancer support group. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know that you lived in Walhalla, SC. I have a lot of relatives there and used to go down every August for a family reunion. You all will continue in my prayers. Always, Allie Sawyer

  57. Please know that we’re very sorry about your unfortunate loss.

    Sincerely,

  58. Ray and family,
    I am sorry for your loss. A loved one lives forever in your memories.I know you will treasure those memories at this difficult time.

  59. Dear Ray and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Dolly was a ‘special lady,’ with so much courage to fight such a hard battle with cancer. We have wonderful memories of her over the years for events she attended at A-B Tech and the opportunity we had traveling together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Glenda & Ray Bailey

  60. Ray, remembering Dolly……and thinking of you during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you and your family.

  61. Ray,
    Dolly was a beautiful person to work with. I am so sorry for your loss. She made you the man you are.
    When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. I’m here if you want to talk. We love you.
    Our Deepest Sympathy,

  62. Julie, my condolences to you and your family. Your mother was a beautiful person and will be missed by many. You too remain a treasure in our hearts and we think of you often. Randy and Elaine

  63. Ray,
    I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time. I did not know your wife, but you coached Basketball at Reynolds, whle I was a student there. May God be with you and your family.
    Sincerely,
    David Moss

  64. Ray,Julie and Jennifer,
    I was so sorry to hear about Roberta’s passing. She was a wonderful person and I enjoyed sharing time with her while you girls were growing up….Betsy sends her love, as do I. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember her smile and creativity. Much love, Nancy and Betsy.

  65. Dear Mr. Elinburg,
    I didn’t know Dolly but have come to realize that she was a very special person to the people who did know her and to the lives of those that she touched. I enjoyed reading so many wonderful things about her and do wish that I had had the opportunity to know her. My friend Ed Clontz has also told me so many great things about her. I wish you and your family peace and comfort during this time. I hope that the wonderful memories of Dolly will be able to fill the void that is left with her passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers
    Susie Crotty

  66. Julie, Jennifer, & J. Ray,
    I was cleaning out my office tonight and came across old letters that Julie wrote to me when we were keeping in touch after our move to TN. Reading them made me think of how special our friendship truly was and how deeply I mourned the loss of it when I moved. I looked J. Ray up on the internet and found Roberta’s obituary. How very sad her loss is. I will never forget the unique and wonderful qualities she possessed. I so envied Julie & Jennifer for having such a cool mom. I am so sorry for your loss and I sincerely hope that you receive this message and we can somehow reconnect. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
    Love, Shelley

  67. Dear Ray and Family,

    I send my deepest sympathy to all of you. May the many memories of happy times you each shared with Dolly give you comfort during this most difficult time.

  68. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Dolly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.

  69. Ray, I was very saddened to read about your loss. I want you to know I have fond memories of Dolly and you both at Asheville-Biltmore College. Dolly was one of the most popular girls on campus and you, Carroll and I played on the 62′-63′ Bulldog Basketball team coached by coach Hartman. Let God be with you and family at these trying times.

    Owen


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