Elaine Culletto

Elaine Culletto passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, in Montesano, Washington, at the age of 77, from natural causes.

Elaine was born on May 6, 1949, in Rigby, Idaho, to Reuel Daniel Whittle and June Chapman Whittle. When she was six months old, the family moved to Lewiston, Idaho, for her father’s work. There, she attended Warner Elementary, Sacajawea Junior High, and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1967. She worked at W.T. Grant Department Store during high school and at Payless Drug Store and Omark CCI after graduation.

As a young adult, Elaine packed up and moved to San Diego, California, which she often recalled as a grand adventure. She got a job working at the Golf Course on Naval Air Station Miramar, where she met John Culletto. They were married in Coronado, and when he finished his tour with the Navy, they moved to Lewiston for a job at Potlatch Corp. They later divorced, and Elaine moved to the beautiful Bitterroot Valley to raise her children.

Professionally, Elaine worked as a personal caretaker, did property management for Cardinal Properties, and ultimately established a long and meaningful career as an office manager for Bitterroot Irrigation. She especially valued the friendships and knowledge she gained there and took great pride in creating a fun and welcoming office that everyone could be proud of and enjoy.

In her free time, Elaine served as a Red Cross Instructor and volunteered for Head Start and the pregnancy counselling center. She took college courses in Missoula and taught outdoor cooking classes around the valley. She loved all types of music and was especially proud of all her children’s musical talents.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elaine’s faith was the foundation of her life. She cherished her many callings in the Church, including years spent serving in the nursery, Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, and especially as a Girls’ Camp leader. She loved the outdoors, camping, and sharing her testimony and love with those around her. One of her greatest hopes was that her loved ones would come to understand the truths that brought her so much peace and joy.

In 2004, Elaine married Barry Axtell of Corvallis, Montana. She deeply appreciated his kindness, intelligence, and many talents. Together they enjoyed simple pleasures, like dinners out, movies, traveling whenever possible, and the comfort of true companionship.

More than anything, Elaine loved her family. For her, there was no deeper joy than spending time with her children and supporting them in their various activities. She deeply loved her children and grandchildren and was incredibly proud of them all.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Hamilton LDS church, followed by burial at Riverview Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.