of Bauxite, AR
September 29, 1941 - April 1, 2014
On April 1, 2014, Elena Gail Burt Hanggi Giddings, mother of four, grandmother of six, left us at the age of 72 to be with God. Elena was born September 29, 1941 in Fort Riley, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elenora and Alvin Burt, and her sister, Sharry Holcomb.
Elena had a passion for knowledge and a willingness to help anyone that she came in contact with. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she earned the Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial Award as the Outstanding Graduating Senior, she went on to earn her Juris Doctor at UALR School of Law. She served many years as chairman on the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.
Those remaining to cherish her memory include four daughters, Sheila Easterly of Little Rock, Susan Dale (John) of Little Rock, Stephanie Matthews (Brian) of Bryant, Stacey Hanggi (Les) of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Coriana, Mallory and Jacob Matthews, Jordan Dale, Hunter and Michael Ramsay; two nieces, Christy Brooks and Ashley Holcomb; one nephew, Billy Huff and many friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014, 1:30pm at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Little Rock. The family will receive friends following the service at St. Theresa's.
Wanted to talk to Shelia 3526256
Sorry for your loss,
Elena --
You taught me how to be a leader, and through your girls, how to be a parent.
I owe you so much.
Love,
Zach
Praying for strength & comfort during this most difficult time of life. I never had the opportunity of meeting your mom, but I feel as though I've known her a life time, just by our short visit. She has a wonderful group of girls! So thankful God let us cross paths. â¤
May you find comfort & peace during this most difficult time in life. I never had the opportunity to meet your mom, but I feel as though I've known her a life time. What a wonderful group of girls she has. God Bless!
Clint & Carla McCool
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your dear mom rest in peace.
Mom, words seem so inadequate... I am still in shock... I Love You and wil miss you until we see each other again in heaven. I am grateful that your suffering on this earth is over and you are finally at peace, resting with God and all his LOVE!
Stacey,
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you
Elvie
Elena, when I look at this picture I see so much of my own mother. All of this came so unexpected when I heard the news. You are one if the best people I know and even more than that, you raised your four girls to be even better. I wish you would have had been able to stay on this earth longer but the Lord has a precious task that only you can conquer, so I believe that's why he called you home. I think back to times when I was little and spent the night at your house, playing barbies with Stacey and getting yelled at by Stephanie to stay out of her room. I mean, her room was the living room, how cool is that? It even had a fireplace. I always thought, my aunt must really love her girls to give them all they had. Now, they are all wonderful, beautiful, strong women, just like you. I know you have found your way into the arms of the Lord and will be awaiting everyones arrival. If you don't mind, please tell my mom I miss her. I love you Elena and all the wonderful women you created!!
Thoughts and Prayers!
Many of my most fond childhood memories involve the Hangii family. My heartfelt sympathies to you all. May God guide and comfort you through this time of your lives.
With love and affection,
Cissy
Mom,
My heart truly feels broken!! On one hand, I am so thankful that you were spared any more pain and sorrow and now sit with Jesus complete and full of pure joy and love. On a much more selfish hand, I want you here for a little longer, I want the opportunity to share that pure joy and love with you here on earth!! I want the opportunity to hug you and tell you that I love you one more time!! One thing I do know is that you leave a legacy of love behind and leave us all with the longing and determination to be the BEST parents we can be to our children every day!! I LOVE YOU MOM!!