Elva Amanda Werner of Virginia, Minnesota, passed away on October 14, 2026, surrounded by her family, at the age of 96. Elva was born on March 26, 1930, on the family farm in Douglas Township, Wisconsin, to parents Homer D. and Beulah (Montier) Smith. Elva graduated from high school in Endeavor, Wisconsin, and received a BS in English from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1952. She worked for Dayton’s Department Store after college.

Elva married Donald L. Werner, MD, on June 19, 1955, in Endeavor, Wisconsin and soon became a homemaker and mother to Sara, Mark and Ross. The family lived in Marshfield, Wisconsin; Fairbanks, Alaska; Burlington, Wisconsin and Aurora, Mt Iron, and Virginia, Minnesota.

Elva was active leading Girl Scouts and participating in the Methodist Church choir, Sunday School, and Women’s Society for many years. She was always interested in supporting youth. In addition to time with her family, Elva enjoyed baking, needlework and caring for her wild birds.

Elva is predeceased by her husband Donald L. Werner, MD, parents Homer D. Smith and Beulah Montier Smith, brother Eldon D. Smith, PhD., and sister Naida (Smith) Brewer.

Elva leaves behind her Children; Sara (Thomas) Thompson of South Kingstown, Rhode Island; Mark (Debbie) Werner of New Braunfels, Texas, and Ross (Nancy) Werner of Elk River, Minnesota. She leaves grandchildren Amanda (Andrew) Bird of South Kingstown, Rhode Island; Robert Thompson of West Warwick, Rhode Island; Luke (Lydia) Werner of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; Katelyn (Spencer) Le of Columbia, Maryland; Nicholas (Abby Holmquist) Werner of New Brighton, Minnesota; Alexandra Werner of Madison, Wisconsin along with her beloved great-grandchildren Eloise Bird, Silas Werner and Emerson, Sawyer, and Keaton Le.

Elva’s final years found her increasingly homebound and under the wonderful care of the staff of Edgewood Vista and Caring Edge Hospice. Her final days were spent with her children relating stories of her youth.

Elva’s memorial Service will be held on Saturday November 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Peace United Methodist Church, 303 9th Avenue South Virginia, MN 55792. En lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to your favorite youth charity.