In the early morning hours of November 18, 2019, Elsa slipped through the bonds of Earth to the eternal joy and glory of Heaven. Born to Martin G. and Elsie (Teigen) Loken in Camp Crook, South Dakota, Elsa lived a carefree, secure and fun-filled childhood on the family ranch near Capitol, Montana. The youngest of several older siblings she was surrounded by the many cousins and friends of large families in the area. Born an inquisitive and highly social personality, Elsa was always very comfortable in her own company. When speaking of her early childhood she often mentioned how she loved hiking to the top of nearby Sheep Mountain and walking on her own across the prairie to the visit neighbors and cousins. Her father built a swing for her in the ranch barn where she spent many hours of her early years alone, playing and swinging there and singing at the top of her voice with the birds that lived in the hay-loft. She completed her elementary education at the nearby country school. It was during these years that she began her study of piano, a skill and gift that she (and others) enjoyed throughout her life. Elsa had to live away from her parents and away home to attend high school in Ekalaka; she graduated in 1949. With her family Elsa was an active member of The Little Missouri Lutheran Church near Capitol.
During her teen and early adult years Elsa enjoyed her independence and loved to travel. With her quick wit, easy laugh and never-met-a-stranger persona, she acquired many friends along the way. She spent a good deal of time with her sister, Olga Loken Freed, and her young family in Denver, CO. One of the bonuses of spending time with Olga is that Elsa was able to travel along as the family “babysitter” when there were conferences to attend and other cross-country destinations to visit.
Montana State University in Bozeman was next on Elsa’s agenda. While at MSU she played in Symphonic Band and was a member of Kappa Delta. She was also active in the campus women’s individual and team sports. Ultimately she graduated in 1952 with her teaching degree. Back home in Carter County Elsa’s first teaching position was at the one room country school near the Mill Iron area. A first grader of the time commented years later that the students loved her because she was 1) young, 2) pretty, and 3) she played the piano! Her next position was at Albion School. She began her third position in the fall of 1954 at another one room country school in the far southern region of the county at Ridge, Montana. It is there that the course of her life turned when she met the pilot/musician/artist/rancher, Francis Hayes – and so began one of the world’s greatest love stories.
Francis and Elsa married on September 10, 1955 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. They made their home at Ridge. Elsa immersed herself in the busy life of marriage, motherhood and valued, essential member of the thriving Ridge community. The family quickly grew to include four children, a dog or two, bum calves and lambs, a pet skunk among other wildlife critters, occasional extra children, and lots of visitors from very near and very far. Elsa dove in with all fours, as she would say. She loved life at Ridge – all of it!
Elsa served numerous charitable organizations in formal positions in addition to most of the informal roles. She organized things and people, cooked for and served crowds in her own home plus larger crowds for community events, for ranchers, for firefighters; she raised funds for needs large and small. Elsa was generous with her knowledge, generous with her friendships, and generous with her time. A volunteer with the American Cancer Society, she also served on the Tri-County Board for Special Education, Carter County High School Board, was a District Election Judge and a member of Meat Promoters. She was active in the local WIFE (Women In Farm Economics) organization, The Busy Hands Club, Cow Bells, The Red Hat Club; the list goes on and on. For more than 20 years she contributed her skills as vocalist and pianist for St. David’s Church, played for untold school programs and lots of jittery soloists plus was the pianist for many weddings and funerals.
Elsa loved to go – go anywhere for any reason. Her love of travel continued throughout her years always joining her husband Francis to local, state, regional and national meetings through his 40 years’ service as a director to rural electric groups. Her children and grandchildren scattered far and wide and she never missed a chance to fly or drive across the county line, to either coast, or to any state in between to “go” to them.
A skilled seamstress, she sewed most of her own wardrobe, partly because she had that special Elsa-style going on but mostly because it was the only way to have clothes that fit her tall, thin Norwegian structure. Elsa carried her beauty as though she’d been raised as a model on fashion runways. And we simply don’t have space to discuss her hats. Oh, the hats! She created her own garments but also devised clever gifts for others and pieces for her own home from draperies to unique rugs to travel bags and, of course, quilts. Often these items were uniquely constructed of worn work jeans. Give that woman a gnarly pair of Wranglers and who knew what would happen. Carefully designed for Montana winters, for many years she produced sought-after zippered-quilted-buntings (of denim and flannel) for every new-born baby of the community. Enjoying fashion as she did, it was a natural fit for her interests and for the rural, independent life of Montana ranching, Elsa became a representative of “Beauty For All Seasons,” a line of quality skin care and makeup. Concurrently, she also taught the art of color coding skin and hair tones into the categories of seasons. Are you a Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall? As she traveled to homes of friends, then friends of friends across the area, she helped build self-confidence through fashion. Her “fashion parties” were always filled with fun and laughter.
First and foremost Elsa was a wife and mother. Hospitality was her gift. An absolute equal partner and teammate with Francis, she was a rancher, a business woman, a teacher, a friend, a musician, a pilot, an artist, a designer, a creative soul . . . all while marching to her own drum. Not someone else’s drummer, but her very own drum. Go now, Beautiful Lady. Make your music and pound your drum!
Elsa is survived by her husband, Francis Hayes of Ridge, Montana; son, Thomas Hayes of Ridge and his sons Erik and Susan and their daughters Audra, Edith, and Astrid of Bozeman, Montana; Christopher and Sara and their son River of Layton, Utah; daughter Charlene Hayes Elston of Ridge; son Mitchell and Connie (Edwards) Hayes of Billings, and their children Keri (Hayes) and Terry Reese and their children Gavyn and Tanith of Billings; Luke and Michelle Hayes and their son Kristian of Billings; Sarah (Hayes) and Brandon Jones and their children Kenneth and Trisha of Gillette, Wyoming; Cecil Hayes and his daughter Isabell of Billings; Karen Hayes and Phillip Christy of Lexington, North Carolina and their children Ashley Davis and her daughter Jade of North Carolina; Adam and Hillary Amende and their daughter Sadie of North Carolina, Jessie and David Walton and their children Isaac, Zoe, Kaylee, and Jacob of North Carolina in addition to many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Elsa was preceded in death by her parents Martin G. and Elsie (Teigen) Loken; her brother Carsten (Dutch) and sister-in-law Myrna (Andersen) Loken; her brother Edwin Loken; her sister Olga (Loken) and brother-in-law Charles G. Freed; her son-in-law Raymond Elston.
Those wishing to make a memorial contributions in Elsa’s name may consider the Powder River Manor.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday November 25, 2019
St. David's Catholic Church
Broadus, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday November 25, 2019
St. David's Catholic Church
Broadus, Montana
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Diana Mccurdy Edwards says
To the Hayes family, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Blessings to you all and rest in peace, Elsa! God be with you.
Dana and Lacy Williams says
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your family. Elsa was a neighbor I really enjoyed visiting with over the years. She will surely be missed!
SKIN AND BETTY COLLINS says
Oh Francis and family my heart hurts for all of you. Sitting here I remember all the good times we had with her and Francis. All the dances we went together to and concerts we attended together. I always admired her hats!! She was a wonderful and loving person . We will miss her deeply. Sorry we can’t be there for the sevices as we are with Jenny in Az. Love ya.
Julie Emmons says
To the family: Sorry for your loss and treasure all the memories of this grand lady.
Gerri Lynn (Talcootlar says
So sorry to hear of Elsa passing. She was a grand lady. Condolences to all of her family.
Gerri Lynn Pillar says
Sorry that’s supposed to read Gerri Lynn (Talcott) & Dave Pillar
Linda Clements Hall says
Thoughts and prayers for all of the family. You have been good neighbors through the years to my parents. I always admired Francis and Elsa as you always seemed so close and enjoyed being with each other.
Vicki Sweat says
Sending my thoughts & prayers to you all!! I never knew Elsa I enjoyed hearing about Bless you all!
Tedi Jo Williams says
My thoughts are with the Hayes family. Francis and Elsa made me feel so welcome in the Ridge community. Elsa will be missed. Such a great lady!
Dave Harris says
Elsa was one of my grade school teachers and we watch her and Francis fall in love. I spent a lot of evenings at their house and playing for dances with Francis. I have a whole bunch of memories with them before I got married. I consider them the very best of friends. I was the last student that Francis taught to fly which I have caught some kidding for.
Elsa will be missed by a lot of people but she is now in heaven where she is very happy.
Scott and Brigit Hemmer and family says
Our deepest sympathies to the Hayes family. Elsa was a kind lady who had a beautiful smile.
Andrea Rice says
Our deepest sympathy to Francis and all of the Hayes family. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Max and Vickie Miller says
We have fond memories of Elsa and Francis. Elsa was always so kind and gracious! A great lady! Our prayers are with all the family ❣️
Dave & Donna Mader says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hayes family.
Bonnie P. says
To all Elsa’s family.. loved Ms.Elsa. We visited, sang, played piano for, danced, and just spent a good amount of time together, had many trips to Ekalaka in our conversations together. Love u sweet lady.. Love u Charlene and Francis. You have a lot of wonderful memories.
Suze Brost Bayne says
The news of Elsa’s passing brings me both sorrow and joy. Our families were so intertwined that I have few childhood memories that don’t include the Hayses. Elsa always welcomed me with open arms, even on the many occasions that I showed up on their doorstep with no warning or invitation. She fed me, entertained me, and tucked me into bed so tight that I couldn’t even move my arm to scratch my nose! My non-Ridge friends have never really been able to understand why a visit to my childhood home and family is never complete without including time spent with the Hayses. So I grieve her loss and my deepest sympathies are with Francis, Tom, Charlene, Mitch and Karen. But oh, the joy to know that she is finally free from the bonds holding her back, and now she is waiting for us to join her one day in Heaven. I’m sure she’s very busy filling Herman in on all the neighborhood happenings since he left us!
cindy (burch) and mike bourn says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hayes family. Elsa seemed to always have fun, no matter what was going on, she was always a joy to be around. Prayers for peace and comfort. Hugs!!
Duane Loken says
We lost the last of the Martin and Elsie Loken offspring. No greater love story. The devotion between Aunt Elsa and Uncle Francis was like no other. It was infectious. That’s why we all loved them so and loved being with them. Blessings to our dear Uncle Francis and cousins Thomas, Charlene, Mitchell, and Karen and their families from the Lokens in Billings. We’ll see you soon.
Pat Traub Worman says
A time to weep and a time to dance.
This classy lady’s passing brings such sorrow to her family, but what a joyful celebration she is having in the Heavenly presence of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayers for the family as they mourn this loss.
Tom and Cheryl Larsen says
So, so sorry to hear about Elsa, she was like the Monarch of the neighbor hood. It won’t be the same without having Elsa around. My Heart aches for Frances and the family.
Tom and I send our Sincere Sympathy and Love to you all.
Larry and Madge Pilster says
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your life, Francis…We always enjoyed visiting with you folks and I always loved to see Elsa’s smile and hear her laugh..She always knew everyone..Our prayers and sympathy go out to all of you in this sad time..She truly will be rejoicing in heaven where she will see old friends and have no more pain..Blessings to you and your family..
Charlotte Miller says
I always enjoyed working with Elsa on the Tri-County board. Her sense of humor and determination were just what we needed at many meetings. My sympathy to you all, she will be missed.
Doug Stewart says
My sympathy to Francis and all the Hayes family. I think I only met Francis 1 time later in life at the Ridge store. It always seemed to me ‘from family talk’ the Hayes family was/is Ridge Mt.
My Duke & Addie ‘Drane’ ‘Knie’ Stewart family, along with half brother’s Bob and Randy Knie, along with my Drane family, talked about friendships with the Hayes, Cadwell’s and so many other families in that area ‘all the time’ after moving from Ranchcreek in 1946.
Even though I was only 4 yrs old when we moved, my roots there remained strong, because of family love and history of that area.
And my families, even tho times were tough’ relished and cherished their times with the Hayes and other families.
God Bless and may God’s comfort and Peace be with you Francis and family.
Lorene Rowland says
Oh my—I can’t even remember a time when Elsa wasn’t part of my life. Since her brother Dutch married my sister Myrna when I was an eighth grader she became “family”. High school—Belle Fourche roundup—dances—fun times!! The last fun time was your anniversary! Love and prayers to you Francis, and all the family.
Toni Freed says
Thinking of my mother’s only sister with so many loving memories. Rest in peace, Aunt Elsa.
Ted and Cathy says
Our sincere sympathy to all of Elsa’s family. She was quite a lady.
Robbin Stoddard says
Sending prayers up for comfort for all Elsa’s loved ones during this time of grief.
Deanna Hayden says
Francis and families ~ we are sad to hear of Elsa’s passing. May she rest in peace and you find strength in your wonderful memories of a fun loving lady. 🙂
Lots of Love,
Dave & Deanna Hayden
Wimp Family says
We are so sorry for the loss of dear Elsa. We had the pleasure of meeting her through our friendship with Charlene. May God provide you all with comfort and peace only He can give.
Jan Witte-Bakken says
I am so sorry to hear of Elsa’s passing, and am thinking fondly of the whole Hayes clan. May you continue to find peace, joy, and delight in the memories of this fine woman.
Pat Sanburn says
I’m sorry to hear of your great loss. Charlene, my thoughts and prayers are with you today. Your Mom was an extra special lady and will be greatly missed.
Dolores Poole says
My thoughts and prayers for her and the extended family.A friend from Tulsa Ok. Dolores Poole
Nancy Cline says
Beautifully written. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Kathi Gallup says
Such a beautiful free spirit…living freely again! Sending condolences and love.
Floyd Huckins says
Francis, Tom, Charlene, Mitch, Karen and families;
My thoughts are with you all at the loss of Elsa. She was always such an elegant lady and so welcoming. During high school I was one of the “extra children.” I always felt at home in your world. For that I will always be grateful; that I knew Elsa.
Larry Brence says
Francis and family
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. I did so appreciate the hospitality offered me by Francis and Elsa whenever I traveled to Ridge when I was the Extension agent. In fact that became one of my favorite places to go because of the Hayes’ and all the other great people in that community. Elsa was a wonderful person and she will be missed.
Les & Jane Thompson says
Dear Hayes Family,
Sending sincere sympathies and prayers of comfort to all of Elsa’s loved ones.
Talana Klungland says
So sorry for your loss. Love, hugs and prayers.
Beverly Willson says
Hugs and prayers for the family of Elsa.
Serena and Wayne Wetherelt Jr. says
Thoughts and prayers for all of Elsa’s family. She was a wonderful woman. Cherish the memories you all have with her.
Judy Stiehm says
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like she lived a a full AND very active live. I’m sure she is watching over you all!
Cousin of Francis,
Judy (Baker) Stiehm
Polly Ashland says
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Elsa was one of the main reasons I wanted to learn to play the piano, I remember her helping us rehearse for our Christmas programs at School , I loved the way she played “Silver Bells”.
The obituary is a beautiful tribute to her. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family in the days ahead