Elaine Burnham

Linda Elaine Burnham, 79, was the first child born to CJ Burnham and Dorothy Elaine Merritt. She was born on September 29, 1943 in Clovis, NM where her mother was staying with family while CJ was overseas in WWII.  As a child she was raised by her mother and grandmother in Clovis and then later at her father’s Blanco Trading Post.  The family moved to Farmington when it came time for Elaine to enter school.  She graduated from Farmington High School and later received a degree from San Juan College. 

At sixteen she was the San Juan Co. Sherriff’s Posse Queen.  She loved horses so much and competed in barrel racing and other equestrian events.  Elaine was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.  When the family lived on north Orchard Street she walked all over the downtown area and especially to the library where she developed a voracious appetite for reading which she maintained throughout her life.

Elaine had the most beautiful smile and the sweetest laugh, and it was a joy to be in her presence.  We loved her as did so many others and we will all miss her so much. The beautiful, fiercely independent and opinionated Elaine passed from this life much too soon, on March 26, 2023 at UNMH in Abq due to a medical misadventure.  Surely Jesus reached out with His strong right hand , took hers , and gently ushered Elaine into His presence in eternity saying “fear not my child , you are home, welcome”

Those preceding her in death include her parents, her sister, Chaney Burnham, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, along with many favorite horses. Those left to mourn her passing are many: her brothers Steve Burnham (Peggy), Keith Burnham (Mary), her son Edward Easley (Tami), daughter Deana Easley, her niece Holly Schmidt (Larry) , her nephews Eric Burnham (Lisa), TJ Burnham, grandchildren, Daisha Gomez (Ruben), Talon Easley, Justin Easley, Wyatt Whitehorn. Her great grandchildren: Edge and Dailey Gomez, Trevor Easley. Her companion, husband, and soul mate Gene A Whitehorn mourns her absence. David and Heather Whitehorn miss her. Her feline companion “Girl Friend” is at a loss.