Elaine Kuhn Backhus, 95, passed away on August 7, 2023, at her home in Leavenworth, KS.

She was born December 6, 1927, to John and Bertha Kuhn in a farmhouse near Hope, KS.

She attended St John Lutheran parochial school.  Elaine was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Lyon's Creek in Herrington, KS.  She was a Walther League member. Upon 8th grade graduation with honors, she enrolled at Hope Rural High School. Elaine was an honor student and graduated as salutatorian of her class in May, 1946.  She enrolled at Brown Mackie Business College in Salina, KS and was a member of Pi Rho Zeta Sorority.  While attending Brown Mackie Business School she worked for Cal Clem, as his secretary, at St John's Military School.  Upon graduation from Brown Mackie she was employed as executive secretary to Roy Bailey, editor of Salina Journal.

On April 17, 1949, Elaine married Harry W Backhus in Herrington, KS.  They moved to Leavenworth, KS.  Harry and Elaine operated The Backhus Real Estate Agency from 1961-1985.  She was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church and LWML.  Elaine was a longtime member of the adult choir.  She was a volunteer at the former Cushing Memorial Hospital.  She was a member of the Thursday canasta club. Elaine worked on the election board.

She is survived by two daughters:  Nancy Heine (Michael), Galena, MO and Janet Anderson, Overland Park, KS.  Three granddaughters, Dr Rebecca (Jared) Dobbins, South Coffeyville, OK; Rachel (Justin) Aden, Springfield, MO and Dr Rosalyn (Tyler) Price, Overland Park, KS.  Four great grandchildren: Connor Dobbins, Maria, Tristan and Stella Price. Her husband, parents, her sister and one brother-in-law proceeded her in death.

Visitation will be Friday, August 18, 2023 from 9:30-11:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2101 10th Avenue, Leavenworth, KS.

Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, August 18, 2023 at 11:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Graveside service will be held at 12:30 pm at Leavenworth National Cemetery with lunch afterward at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Vitas Hospice.