Sherri Neefe
Elaine Logan passed away peacefully in her home in Novato, California, at the age of 91 on November 21, 2023. Her only daughter, Sherri, was with her at the time.
Born Elaine Itsue Uratani in Hilo, Hawaii, she was the youngest of five daughters to parents James Kaichi Uratani, a longshoreman and son of Japanese immigrants who settled in Hawaii in the late 1800s, and Betsy Kazu Yumiba who came to the islands with her parents from Hiroshima, Japan. Growing up, Elaine loved running barefoot on the beaches of Hawaii, eating sugarcane, and dancing the jitterbug.
Around 1952, Elaine moved to the mainland with her US Navy husband, Eubert H. Spurgeon, where she lived her young adult life raising four children in San Diego and working many years as a data processor for the Department of Education.
In the late 70s, while out dancing with friends, Elaine met Charles Logan, her second husband and the love of her life. In 1981, they married and would enjoy 30 years together traveling, dancing, playing cards, and barbecuing with friends.
Devastated by the death of her “Charley” in 2012, Elaine relocated to Napa Valley to be near her daughter, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed her last decade playing mahjong and bingo, going on occasional outings to the nearby casino, and attending family events.
Elaine always lived life on her own terms as a truly independent and strong-willed spirit. In her final years, everyone was met by her smile and quick wit. Loved by all, Elaine was always gracious, polite, and smiling. Her caretakers, who had only known her in her last months, cried when she passed because they had quickly formed a special connection appreciating her gratitude and kindness to them.
Elaine adored those closest to her, especially her little chihuahua, Honey, who kept her company in her final years. She loved her kids, casinos, chocolate, Charley, and her dogs … not necessarily in that order! Her mission in life was to make sure her children were healthy, happy, and independent, and she succeeded in that goal. She was smiling in her final weeks and content that she lived a full life.
She is survived by her four children (and their spouses), Harold (Marie), Donovan (Joy), James (Janette), and Sherri (Richard), as well as twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Elaine’s ashes will be laid to rest with her beloved Charley at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.
