Elaine M.

Bradford

Elaine M. Bradford, age 78, of Payne, OH, passed on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the Meadows of Ottawa surrounded by her family.

She was born in Paulding, OH on August 5, 1947 to her late parents, Walter "Pete" and Amy (Grandstaff) Smith. On August 6, 1994, she married Paul E. Bradford who preceded her in death in 1999.

Elaine worked for many years as a cashier at First Financial Bank, Paulding, OH. She was a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587 Ladies Auxiliary and the Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405 Ladies Auxiliary. She loved to dance and while living in Florida was a member of the Orlando Magic Silver Stars Dance Team.

She will be lovingly missed by her children: Steven (Carolynn) Paulus, Covington, LA; Catherine (Don) Steele, Bristol, VA; life partner of 25 years, Don Rhonehouse, Payne, OH; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren.

Elaine is also preceded in death by her brother, Jeffrey Smith; sisters: Sheila Wojiechowski, Cheri Ladig, and Anita Suman; great granddaughter, Everly Marie Steele.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with inurnment in Fairview Cemetery, Dupont, OH, Putnam County.