Elaine Gunnels, 85, Archie, MO, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022 at her home. Funeral services were held  Friday, April 22, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Harrisonville with burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonville First Baptist Church.

Elaine was born March 8, 1937 in Archie, MO, a daughter of Alton "Tom" DeVerne and Thelma Elizabeth (George) Christiansen. She was a lifelong Archie resident and was a 1955 graduate of Archie High School. She continued her education at CMSU in Warrensburg, MO and received her Bachelors Degree in Music Education in 1959. Elaine was united in marriage to Stanley E. Gunnels on June 16, 1961 in Archie.

Elaine was a high school and elementary music teacher for 33 years and taught at Miami Schools in Amoret, MO, Butler High School in Butler, MO, and McEowen Elementary School in Harrisonville. She also had served as the church music director at Butler First Baptist Church and the Antioch Southern Baptist Church in Harrisonville. Elaine is a member and former organist of the Harrisonville First Baptist Church. She was baptized in 1948 and remained active in the church her whole life as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, organist, and music leader.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Harold Christiansen; and one infant sister, Dorothy. She is survived by her husband, Stanley Gunnels, of the home; two daughters: Debbie Bellis, Archie, MO; and Lisa Hern and husband James, Harrisonville, MO; three grandchildren: Jason Bellis, Tyler Hern, and Landon Hern; four great-grandchildren: Blake Hunter, Skylar Bellis, Callie Bellis, Bailey Bellis; and many other relatives and friends.