It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved family and friend, Elaine Madeline Kemna Matlock who passed away Feb. 5, 2026 in Salinas, Calif..
She lived a very vivacious life until she passed at 88 years old.
Elaine was born in Ferndale, Calif., on Sept. 24, 1938. She spent most of her life in San Jose in Santa Clara County, but always longed to return to her home. She loved Salinas and moved there to spend the rest of her life and care for her mother, Marjery Ruth Matlock, until her passing.
Elaine had such a giving heart and would help anyone who was down and out or needed food or a home. She loved life and lived every moment to the fullest. She loved celebrating — and laughter.
She was a licensed beautician and certified beauty instructor in Santa Clara County. She loved to style hair and teach young people how to become professional beauticians.
Elaine loved to paint and had many beautiful pieces that she shared with family. Her favorite medium was oil-based paint. She had a great eye for color and design. Enjoying bright colors, bright flowers and nature.
Her favorite place to spend time was having picnics at the beach or out in the country camping and sitting by a campfire laughing and spending time with family.
Elaine loved children and loved to give all she could to give them a better life. She understood the need for children to have a stable, healthy home and she became a foster parent to help children and teens. Her home was always opened to anyone in need.
Elaine had a way to see the brighter things in life. Even when things seemed too tough she would say to suck it up and get back in the stream of things!
Elaine was preceded in death by her mother, Marjery Ruth Matlock, and her brother Robert Kemna.
She is survived by her son Mario Arias and his wife, Junko, and her grandson Kento. She also has mothered many inherited children as her own.
A Celebration of Life is being held on April 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Mariposa Assembly of God located at 5265 Hwy 49 North in Mariposa. (Across from the DMV.)
Questions? Contact Cyndi Thompson by email at godz_ grl@live.com or Deborah Guenther by email at anneem126@hotmail.com
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