Elaine M. Tingle, retired teacher
Elaine M. Tingle of Laurel passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones after a short illness.
Elaine was born Aug. 1, 1955, in Lewes, to D. Trent and Jennie Scott Wharton. Elaine began her career as a paralegal, met her husband, Mike, and they married June 12, 1976. Together they had two children, Shawn Tingle of Gumboro and Jenna L. Conaway of Georgetown.
Elaine ran the family farm while her children were young, and eventually went back to college, where she received her bachelor’s degree and began her teaching career. Over her 30-year career, she taught in the Laurel and Indian River school districts, and she continued her education, receiving her master’s. She was proud to have earned her National Board Certification, one of the most respected professional certificates available in education. Elaine loved to teach and developed many lasting relationships with both her co-workers and the children she taught, many of whom have stayed in contact with her over the years.
Elaine loved life. She enjoyed the beach, spending time with her friends, gardening, and her new puppy, Charleigh. Each summer she looked forward to the opening of Carey’s Camp, a 12-day spiritual camp adjacent to Carey’s United Methodist Church. As one of the tent owners, Elaine would open Tent No. 25, where she and her family would host countless family members and friends. She would spend her time helping with vacation Bible school, along with countless other duties she took upon herself so others could fully enjoy their camp experience.
Above all else, Elaine loved her family and her greatest joy was becoming a grandmother. She was known as Mommom Laine to Grace, Mason and Lily Tingle, and Gavin, Jaxon and Jordyn Conaway.
Everyone who knew Elaine would agree that they are all better people because of the love and kindness she encircled them with.
Elaine is survived by her husband, Mike Tingle of Laurel; her son, Shawn Tingle and children of Gumboro; her daughter, Jenna, her husband Greg, and their children of Georgetown; her sisters, Janice (Michael) Oliver of Wheelock, Vt., Cindy (Lynn) Alderman of Circleville, Ohio, and Trenny Wharton of Kingston, Ohio; her mother, Jennie Scott Wharton of S. Bloomingville, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends, along with her pup, Charleigh, whom she loved and who loved her. She was preceded in death by her father, D. Trent Wharton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org.
The family asks that you take the time to make as many memories as possible with your loved ones.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
