M. Elaine King (Ferguson)

October 20, 1933 – January 16, 2026

As published in the January 26, 2026 World-Spectator

Elaine King passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Southeast Integrated Care Centre in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, at the age of 92, following a five-year journey with dementia. Even until the end, Elaine retained her kindness, deep love for family and friends, and gratitude for a long and meaningful life.

Elaine was the beloved wife of the late George King; a devoted mom, grandma, and great-grandma; and a cherished sister and aunt.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Moosomin Baptist Church on Saturday, January 24, at 11:00 a.m. A live stream link will be provided on Carscaden’s website. A private interment for immediate family will take place at 2:00 p.m.

In tribute to Elaine, the family invites those attending her Celebration of Life to wear something pink.

Elaine was born on October 20, 1933, in Drinkwater, Saskatchewan, the eldest child of Vernice and Howard Ferguson. She held fond memories of her early years there, living close to her grandparents, attending a small school she loved, and spending countless hours outdoors skating, cross-country skiing, and playing. She was one of four children, alongside her siblings Darline Marshall (Ron), Jerry Ferguson (Carole), and Donny Ferguson.

In 1947, the family moved to Moosomin. The transition was challenging for Elaine, as she was an excellent student at a time when academic achievement was not always expected of a “farm girl.” Her favorite subjects were Latin and typing, and she once dreamed of becoming a nurse or a teacher. In 1950, after her youngest brother Donny was born, her mother became ill with breast cancer. Elaine left school to help at home until hired help could be found. In 1952, she began working as a telephone operator with SaskTel and worked until the birth of her first child.

Elaine met the love of her life, George King, in the fall of 1958, and they were married on March 21, 1959. Together they raised five children: Cheryl King; Bob (Brenda) King; Carol (Neil) Russell; Sandra (Max) Hendricks; and Cindy (Darin) Swallow. Elaine was happiest when her home was full of children. Between the births of Carol and Sandra, Elaine and George served as foster parents for six babies. Recognized for their remarkable compassion, Social Services entrusted them with infants who needed the greatest care and love. Elaine nurtured these children until they could be adopted, changing the course of their lives forever.

Elaine and George attended the Moosomin Baptist Church, where her faith became a central part of her life. She taught Sunday School, helped with Pioneer Girls, and was an active member of the Ladies Circle, finding strength, comfort, fellowship, and purpose within her church community.
On October 30, 1974, after a courageous battle with brain cancer, George passed away, leaving Elaine to raise five children under the age of fourteen on her own. To support her family, Elaine began babysitting in her home in the spring of 1975. Caring for children gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She often reflected on a favorite quote by Rose Kennedy: “I looked on child rearing not only as a work of love and duty, but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world, and one that demanded the best that I could bring to it.”

Elaine’s love for children was legendary. Known fondly as the “baby whisperer,” her daycare offered the perfect balance of structure, learning, outdoor play, and delicious home-cooked meals and baking. Her famous cinnamon buns were often sent home with “tired working moms”. Many recalled that she could take six small children into a china shop without ever raising her voice or causing concern, much to the amazement of store clerks.

Elaine’s home was always a welcoming place, not only for her own children but for their friends and family as well. Baking was Elaine’s love language. No matter how long or tiring the workweek had been, everyone knew that Saturday afternoon would bring something special. Fresh, perfectly iced cinnamon buns, donuts or cream puffs with fresh cream from the farm would appear, and as if by magic, friends and family would arrive at the door at the exact moment they were being pulled from the oven. There was always room at her table, always something yummy to eat, always a sense that you belonged, and always enough for a second helping.

Elaine was overjoyed by the arrival of each grandchild and made every effort to be present, often traveling on the very day of their birth to meet them and share in the celebration. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always making room for whatever they loved most. She read countless books aloud, patiently worked through puzzles, and happily played endless games of Trouble, Snakes and Ladders, Scrabble and spirited Uno tournaments. No matter their age or interests, she found an activity they could share together, giving them her full attention and time. This love made Grandma King a treasured presence in the lives of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all who knew her.
Elaine received no formal awards or accolades, though she jokingly asked only for a medal upon reaching the age of 90, a goal she proudly achieved. Quiet, selfless, tender-hearted, and sometimes feisty out of necessity, she was deserving of the highest honours. She could have taught master classes in budgeting, homemaking, and child-rearing. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family, ensuring her children were among the best fed and best dressed in town. When others rested, Elaine took on more work, saving for necessities, home repairs, or her children’s activities and lessons. She did all of this without complaint and always found ways to help others she felt were less fortunate.

Elaine was predeceased by her loving husband, George King; her daughter, Cheryl King; and her sister, Darline Marshall (Ron). She is lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Southeast Integrated Care Centre in Moosomin for their compassionate and dedicated care.
Those wishing to honour Elaine’s memory may make memorial donations to the SEICC LTC Rec Department or the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan for Dementia Research.

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