Elden Lavern White, 84, of Norborne, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on August 11, 1940, in Ronan, MT, the son of Rolland and Mildred (Sias) White.

Elden grew up in the Ronan and Polson areas.  He joined the Air National Guard at the age of 16.  In 1957, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Forbes Field Air Force Base in Topeka, KS.  While stationed at Forbes Field, he met his wife of 60 years, Betty Jane Tharp, in 1961.  To this union, they were blessed with two daughters, Sharon Lea and Missy Ann.

Elden and Betty married in 1962 in Topeka, KS. They had a three-year honeymoon stationed in Puerto Rico and returned to Topeka, KS, in 1965.  In 1966, he took a job at the Topeka, KS, Good Year Tire Plant, where he worked for 30 years.

They moved to Oskaloosa, KS, in 1975, where they raised their girls and made many friends.  After Elden retired in 1994, they moved to Wagner, SD.  While living in Wagner, Elden stayed busy taking care of their Appaloosa Horse Ranch.  In 2003, they moved to Pablo, MT, where they enjoyed their retirement in the mountains.

In 2020, they moved back to Kansas and after Betty passed away, Elden moved to Wheatland, MO, in 2022.  He moved to Norborne, MO, to be closer to family.

Elden is survived by two daughters, Sharon Lea Gray (Bill) of Screven, GA, and Missy Ann Stoner (Steven) of Norborne, MO; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, and his two brothers.

A private burial will be held by the family later this summer in Montana for both Elden and Betty.  Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of Elden with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.