April 1, 1924 – February 23, 2025

Elaine Annemae Busse, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother to many, and known to all as “Granny,” passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at the age of 100. Born on April 1,1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Edward and Hazel Crofoot, Elaine lived a life full of love, dedication, and passion.
Elaine married the love of her life, Robert Lewis Busse, on June 12, 1943. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared many wonderful years. Elaine is survived by her three children: Suzanne Phelps (Ken), Bob Busse (Beverly), Bill Busse (Janet) and son-in-law Wes House (Marcia). Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
In 1963, Elaine and Robert moved to Grand Lake, Colorado, where they purchased the Winding River Ranch. The ranch became a central part of their lives, a place where Elaine’s passions for family, faith, health, horses, and dancing flourished.
Elaine’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and providing her with strength and comfort. She was deeply committed to her spiritual journey and found immense joy in sharing her faith with others. Elaine often quoted her favorite Bible verse, Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” This verse encapsulated her unwavering trust in God’s guidance and protection. Elaine’s faith was not just a personal belief but a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around her. She led by example, demonstrating the power of faith through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Her legacy of faith continues to inspire her family and friends, reminding them of the profound impact of a life lived with devotion and love.
Elaine was a source of health and wellness for all who knew her. Her passion for nutrition led her to create personalized nutrition plans that always included Shaklee vitamins. Elaine believed in the power of clean eating and the importance of vitamins in maintaining overall health. She tirelessly worked with individuals to understand their unique needs, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their health goals. Her dedication to promoting wellness through nutrition not only improved the lives of many but also inspired a lasting commitment to healthy living among those she helped. Elaine’s legacy in nutrition continues to be a source of inspiration and gratitude for all who benefited from her wisdom and care.
Elaine’s love for horses was a defining aspect of her life, and she shared this passion with her children and grandchildren. She spent countless hours at Winding River Ranch, teaching her grandkids how to ride. She instilled in her family not only the skills needed to ride but also a deep appreciation for the beauty of the mountains.
Elaine was strong-willed, feisty, and had a firecracker personality that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her life was filled with stories, laughter, and the values she cherished. Her legacy is one of love, strength, perseverance and joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the communities in both Grand Lake and Arizona.
A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held on Thursday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at Winding River Resort in Grand Lake, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eagles Nest Wilderness Ranch, PO Box 2188, Grand Lake, CO 80447.