Elaine Gorrell

Elaine Gorrell, 91, of Canton, MO, passed away at 5:50 AM, Monday, May 18, 2026, at Lewis County Nursing Home in Canton, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Bluff Springs United Methodist Church in Canton, MO. Pastor Sally Barrett and Rev. Paul Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at Bluff Springs Cemetery near Canton, MO.

Friends and family are invited to Elaine’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 9:00-10:30 AM, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Bluff Springs United Methodist Church in Canton, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home in Canton, MO.

Elaine was born April 2, 1935, in rural Canton, Clark County, MO, to Charles Allan Gorrell and Mae Clark Gorrell.

Survivors include her nieces, Michele (Brian) Munzlinger of Williamstown, MO and Renee Gorrell (Jim Hus) of St. Louis, MO; great nephew, Clint (Crystal) Munzlinger of Hughesville, MO and great niece Lea (Billy Joe) Rash of Williamstown, MO. Surviving great-great nephews are Raylan Rash, Cord Munzlinger, Cooper Munzlinger; surviving great-great niece is Morgan Rash.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Pearl Franks.

Elaine attended Gravel Hill Grade School in Clark County, MO. She graduated from Canton High School in 1953. She went on to become a Registered Nurse at Blessing-Reiman College of Nursing and graduated in 1960.

Elaine was employed at P&S Clinic (now Quincy Medical Group) in the Orthopedic Department, for seven and a half years. She then went to work at Blessing Hospital as an OR nurse for 30 years. She retired in 1995 to help care for her mother. She was a charter member of Victory 4-H Club, former American Nurses Association and the American Operating Room Association.

Elaine will be remembered for her deep love of animals and the simple joys of country life. She had a special place in her heart for her pets—especially her cats, her dogs, and the pet lambs she cared for with tenderness and pride. Growing up, Elaine helped her parents run their family gas station, where she learned the value of hard work and the importance of community—lessons she carried with her throughout her life.

Elaine was devoted to her church and cherished her church family. She was very active in her congregation. Elaine was a member of Bluff Springs United Methodist Church and was a part of the Methodist Youth Fellowship and a member of the Bluff Springs United Methodist Women. She enjoyed trips to Arbela, MO, to The Catfish Place. In addition, Elaine was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed watching the eagles on the river at sunset, knitting, and crocheting.

Elaine leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and devotion to those she loved. She will be dearly missed.

Pallbearers will be Matt Schlotter, Mark Schlotter, Clint Munzlinger, Billy Joe Rash, Ron Spillman, Darin Baker, and Jay Barry.

Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Higbee and Mike Sommers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blessing-Reiman College of Nursing, Bluff Springs Cemetery Operating Fund and IUMC Peace Meal.