Born on March 28, 1928 to Winnifred Wilson, of Saskatchewan, Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Died on Jan. 29, 2026 at the age of 97 years, surrounded by her family at the home of her son and his wife, Daryl and Vicki Boyd in Ellsworth, Wis. Elva is survived by her husband, George Boyd; her children, Melvin, Daryl (Vicki) and Ardith (Doug) Craven. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Elva was adopted as a young child by Adolph and Martha Wilde and their three sons, Willie, Eddie and Frankie, all of whom preceded her in death.
She grew up on the Wilde farm near Brunkild, Manitoba. Elva had a brief career as a long distance/overseas telephone operator at the end of WWII. She was fluent in both German (having spoken it in the Wilde home) and English (at public school). Elva expressed her belief in God and accepted Christ as her personal savior. Elva’s life is a testimony of her love of God. She made a public profession of her belief and lived her life centered around the love she had for Jesus and others. Primary joys in Elva’s life included hospitality and music. Her love of music included playing the piano and organ as well as singing hymns. She and George enjoyed opening their home to many friends and family. Elva met George at a toboggan party. Romance soon began. They were married on Nov. 17, 1951. They initially lived in Manitoba, then moved to California for a brief time in 1955, finally settling in Minnesota. They first lived in New Hope, then Elk River. When they retired in 2003 they moved to Ellsworth, Wis. Elva loved being a mother and housewife. When they moved to Elk River, they purchased a custom cabinet shop. She got great satisfaction from meticulously doing the bookkeeping for Boyds Quality Cabinets. In 2020 they were unable to maintain their own home. They moved in with their son, Daryl, and his wife, Vicki, where they enjoyed care, hospitality and visits from family and friends. The entire family wishes to thank the many caregivers, including St. Croix Hospice, who have made Elva’s life comfortable.
Funeral service for Elva was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Ellsworth Chapel with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth. Elva’s service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com
