Ida Elaine Kaighn, 69, passed away on Thursday, July 28th in Norman, Oklahoma. Elaine was in her home and surrounded by her loving family, devoted caregivers and lifelong friends as she made the passage into the spirit world. Her joyful presence and deep love for family and friends will remain with us always, and we shall think of her often.

Elaine was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on March 3, 1942 to George and Van Schott. She was the second born of five children: Dean, Betty, Paula and Nancy and was especially close to her two youngest sisters as they shared a deep and loving bond that would last their entire lives. She was first married to David Grantham in 1960, with the marriage ending in 1968. They had two children together, Brent and Sheri. Her second marriage was to Bill Kaighn in 1979. Their marriage was perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of a wonderful life, and they shared a remarkable and deeply inspiring love and dedication that spanned 32 years. Bill has five children from his first marriage: Kevan, Charles, Lisa, Julie and Laura. They had thirteen “cutie pie” grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Bill and Elaine shared a sprawling, lovely home on Westwood Drive in Norman that she often referred to as “The Castle.” It was the site for many cherished family meals, holiday gatherings, swimming parties and extended sleepovers. Elaine was an accomplished cook, baker and gardener and truly enjoyed creating the best possible environment and experiences for her family and friends. She also had a deep affection for the fine and performing arts, which she and Bill always shared with family and friends. The two traveled to their favorite destinations in the U.S. and abroad, and as an avid swimmer, Elaine was particularly drawn to the beach.

Elaine graduated from Harding High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1960. She was an alumna of the American Institute of Banking, having completed their pre-standard, standard and general curricula during the years of 1966-1977. She was a dedicated and tireless banking professional who was universally admired for her sound financial judgment, vitality and integrity. She began her career at Citizen’s National Bank in 1960 where she worked until 1972. At Citizen’s, she began as a utility clerk and advanced rapidly through many positions, learning about every administrative aspect of the banking business. From there, she was instrumental in the organization and opening of the Exchange National Bank of Del City in 1972. She initially began as Cashier and was made Vice President and elected to the Board of Directors in 1976. Her terminal banking position began in 1979 at City National Bank in Norman where she was Vice President in Commercial Loans and managed their bond portfolio. She also handled daily investments in overnight funds and made and serviced commercial and installment loans. Elaine considered the position at City to be the apex of her career in banking and it was with great and lasting disappointment that she was forced to end her employ due to chronic illness.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, George and Van, and her sister Betty. Survivors include her husband Bill Kaighn of Norman and her children Brent Grantham of Norman and Sheri Grantham of Edmond. And, her stepchildren: Kevan Kaighn of Phoenix, Arizona; Charles Kaighn and his wife Debbie of Raleigh, North Carolina; Lisa Kaighn and her husband Steve Katz of Durham, North Carolina; Julie Jones and her husband Patrick of New Bern, North Carolina; and Laura Klabel and her husband Dennis of Peru, Illinois. Also, her siblings: Dean Schott of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Paula Erdman and her husband Jim of Boley, Oklahoma; and Nancy Dombek and her husband Ron of Henryetta, Oklahoma. Grandchildren include: Sophia, Olivia, Evan, Christopher, Lacie, Heather, Christa, Grady, Arden, Kelsey, Finn, William and Michael. Great grandchildren include Mac, Kiaya, Isaiah, Brendon, Preston and Austin.

A special mention is made of caregiver Linda Harrell, who gave Elaine constant care, love and companionship throughout her three and a half year battle with cancer. Linda is held in the highest esteem as Elaine’s earthly angel and the family will be eternally grateful for her dedication. In addition, hospice nurse Liz Loffland provided extraordinary care to Elaine in her final weeks. There was an instant bond between Liz and Elaine that brightened Elaine’s final days in a truly meaningful way.