Christine Lynn Elder, 75, wife of Donald Elder, passed away Saturday, March 29th, 2026.

  Born on July 27, 1950, in Bronx, New York, she was a daughter of the late Ernest L. Barlow and Muriel Geyer Barlow. She was the beloved wife of Donald Elder for 54 wonderful years. Together, they traveled the world, building a life rooted in love, resilience, and commitment, A tapestry of experiences that included cherished adventures and quiet moments of joy. Chris's spirit came alive at every destination, but it was in the love of her family that she truly found her home. Chris dedicated her life to nurturing her family and creating a warm, loving home. A devoted homemaker, she possessed a special gift for transforming every gathering into a cherished memory, wrapping her family in love and grace. Chris's warmth and compassion created a haven for those fortunate enough to enter her life. She believed profoundly in the Lord, which informed her kindness and her boundless generosity, illuminating the lives of those around her. As an Army wife, Chris embraced a life of travel and constant change. With nearly twenty moves throughout the years, she had a remarkable gift for turning every new place into a true home. She immersed herself in each community, graciously embracing its culture and welcoming others with open arms. Chris took great pride in being a military wife and found purpose and joy in supporting her husband and family through every chapter. She cherished her childhood memories of time spent at Brant Lake with her siblings. Those days by the water held a special place in her heart, filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness. She carried that love of the lake into her own family, creating similar experiences and traditions that brought the same sense of happiness and connection to those she loved most. West Point held a particularly special place in Chris's heart. It was there that she married the love of her life, Don, and where she welcomed her youngest daughter. She fully engaged in all that the West Point community had to offer, creating cherished memories that lasted a lifetime. Above all else, Chris treasured her role as a mother and found even greater joy in being a grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she held them together through every transition, every challenge, and every triumph.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Barbara Barlow, and a nephew Tommy Loonie.

Surviving are her husband, Don Elder; daughters, Angie VanValkenburg (Josh), Mindy Moreland (Michael), and Kim Mauney (Josh); grandchildren, Kevin VanValkenburg, Kyle VanValkenburg, Adam Moreland, Samuel Moreland, Jacob Mauney, Lilly Mauney, Annabelle Mauney, and Vivienne Rose Mauney; a sister, Claudia Loonie (Tom Zeringo); brother, Don Barlow (Julie); sister-in-law, Karen Sims(Bill); along with nieces.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 11th in First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood with the Dr. Rev. Jeff Newlin officiating.

Christine will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her generous spirit, and the deep love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so dearly and the many lives she touched.