Elaine Stafford

Elaine Stafford passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday August 27, 2023. She was born October 27, 1953, in Detroit MI, daughter of the late George and Edythe (Amerman) Matthews.

Elaine spent her childhood in Royal Oak, MI and Redford, MI and then attended Western Michigan University. She spent her career at the Kalamazoo Gazette leading the classified department before retiring early to spend time with family and to travel. She was an avid reader, an accomplished knitter and crafter and loved watching tennis on TV. She loved her family, travel, Elvis, and the color red. She was famous for her dry sense of humor.

On April 25, 1992, Elaine married Ronald Stafford who survives. She is also survived by daughter, Jennifer (Stephanie Wagner) Webster; brother, Jim (MaryAnn) Matthews; sister-in-law, Patti (Dave) Tucker; brothers-in-law, Roy (Harriett) and Ralph (Pamela) Stafford; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kalamazoo Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo MI 49007. To view Elaine’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com