Elaine Davila (nee Leonhard), 80, Member of Sacred Heart Chapel

She was born May 26, 1931 in Gnadenhutten, Ohio. She moved from Canton to Lorain in the late 1980's. She lived in Elyria for the past 23 Years. She owned and operated Elaine's bridal shop in Canton and Elyria for 50 years. She also taught at a Montessori school in Elyria for 2 years.

Elaine was a active member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain, where she was the director of the Liturgical Dance Ministry for 25 years. She was also involved with many other church ministries. She was a Girl Scout Leader for 55 years. Elaine taught and was an award winning ballroom dancer. Elaine enjoyed camping, baking, sewing and knitting.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 24 years William L. Davila of Elyria; daughters Cheryl Horst of Streetsboro, Kathy Kostner of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ruth Long of Dellroy, and Alyndria Davila of Elyria, sons Greg Gowins of North Canton and Jeff Gowins of Arlington; brother Ervin Leonhard of Dayton; 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and many many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Jessie (née Witmer) Leonhard; son Timothy Gowins; sisters Eunice Leonhard, Ester Bachman, Edith Billman, Ethel Crites and Erma Heimbrook and a brother Earl Leonhard.

Her family will receive friends Tuesday, January 17 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM in Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Also Wednesday from 8 until time of mass at 9:30 AM. Rev. Father William A. Thaden, pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Garden, Avon.

The family suggest memorial contributions to the Sacred Heart Liturgical Dance Ministry, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055.

Funeral arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164.

You may leave condolences and sign the on line register book at Reidyfuneral.com