Elaine Iris Schlaht, 91, died peacefully at her home on March 20th, 2026.  Funeral services will be on Wednesday, March 25 at 2pm at Traditions Funeral Service, Oliver-Nathan Chapel, Valley City, ND. Burial will be later in the spring in Memory Gardens, Valley City.

Elaine was born on January 15th, 1935, to Halvor and Paula (Wold) Haugland in New Rockford ND. She spent her early years on the family farm near Hamar ND.

She graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1953. Following high school, she worked in Devils Lake at the ND School for the Deaf and at Mercy Hospital.  She then completed her teaching certificate at Valley City State College.  She also taught at a one room schoolhouse in Cleveland ND.  While living in that area she met Elroy Schlaht. They were married on May 19th, 1957, at Sigdahl Lutheran Church. They moved to Wimbledon ND and later to Valley City where she worked as a childcare worker.  Elaine became a second mother to many of these children that she cared for and they often kept in touch with her years later.

In 1987, she began working at Mercy Hospital in Valley City as a housekeeper. She loved her work and the people she worked with. She was employed there until 1998.

Elaine was a woman of faith. All of those that knew her would agree that she made a quiet influence in their lives. She was a source of comfort to all of those she met. She offered guidance to those that were struggling, often finding Bible verses to help with their situation.  Her welcoming spirit would often lead to extra people at the supper table, laughter in the house and another pot of coffee.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and friend to many.  She believed in the power of prayer and was a true prayer warrior.

Elaine was welcomed home by her parents, brother Kenneth, and her lifelong best friend, Elroy.  She is remembered lovingly by her six children: Judy Smith, Ron (Toni Affield), Jacqueline (Clark Van Horn), Roger, Dan, and David; her Grandchildren Ben (Jessie), Krystal (Mark), William (Tracy), Shantell (Nico) and Macy and seven great grandchildren will miss her loving hugs. She also leaves behind a brother Rodney (Phyllis) Haugland, and many nieces and nephews that she considered a part of the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Traditions Funeral Services, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com