Elaine M. Sorenson
Elaine Susan (Mathis) Sorenson passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD. She was 66 years old.
Elaine, the daughter of Ernest and Ruby (Sample) Mathis, was born on August 23, 1958, at the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, SD. She attended a rural schoolhouse in Sanborn County near the family farm near Storla. After graduating from high school in Mt. Vernon, Elaine pursued her degree in Early Childhood Education at both South Dakota State University and Dakota State University. During her college years, she met Randal ("Randy") Sorenson, the love of her life. They were married on June 18, 1983, at Trinity Lutheran Church near Letcher. Together, they made their home in Sioux Falls, where they raised their two sons, Michael and Mark, in a modest home filled with faith and love.
Elaine's professional life was dedicated to serving others. She spent over a decade working with the elderly at Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls before pursuing her true passion in teaching. For more than 30 years, Elaine taught all grade levels at Cornerstone School in Sioux Falls, where she was heavily involved in her children's education as they attended and graduated from the same school. Elaine’s legacy now lives on through her grandchildren, Jackson and Kinsley, who attend Cornerstone as the third generation to be part of the school community she cherished so much and where her impact on countless students is unmatched.
Elaine’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She served as a youth group leader at Cornerstone Church for many years, was ordained as a minister, and officiated weddings, bringing couples together in love and faith. Most recently, she preached sermons at Grace & Truth Church in Sioux Falls, sharing her love for Jesus with others and encouraging them in their faith journeys. Despite many health challenges throughout her life, Elaine never wavered in her trust in God's plan. She fulfilled her purpose on this earth with grace, leaving a legacy of faith, love, and service to others. After continuing to proclaim the name of Jesus from the pulpit to the hospice bed, she victoriously entered the arms of Jesus for eternity.
Grateful for having shared her life are her devoted husband, Randal Sorenson; son Michael Sorenson; son Mark (Kiley) Sorenson; and their twin grandchildren, Jackson and Kinsley Sorenson; brother Bill (Lisa) Mathis; sister Linda Powell; and many nieces and nephews. Also grateful for having shared her life are the many students, faculty, and friends of the Cornerstone School community. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Ruby (Sample) Mathis; her brothers, Robert and Terry Mathis; and her infant brother, Owen.
Elaine enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including painting, crocheting, and making jewelry. In her crocheting, she loved creating stuffed animals for her grandchildren and Afghans for newborn babies of friends and family. She also volunteered as a bus driver for nursing home resident activities after her time at Good Samaritan Village.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Miller Funeral Home - Westside Chapel, 6200 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106. The funeral service will be on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Crosswalk Community Church, 6101 S. Mogen Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a fundraiser established to help ease final expenses, as Elaine was unable to qualify for life insurance due to her health condition. Elaine’s family is grateful for the love, prayers, and support they have received during this time.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23:6