Elena Schoenlaub (Hollyfield), passed peacefully on September 17th, 2024 with her daughters by her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Her testament to the power of human connection and the importance of family.

After a hard-fought journey, she showed both herself and the world that she was an undeniable force—strong, resilient, and never to be underestimated. In other words, some might say she was one tough bitch. With the mouth of a trucker, people were drawn to her quick wit, her sass, and her larger than life presence. Though her energy was often unpredictable and her humor often hysterical, she possessed an underlying tenderness and was a gentle soul.

She enjoyed gardening (growing the most beautiful Dahlias), restoring old furniture, and had a love of decorating and cooking. But most of all she enjoyed having family gatherings at her home in Silverton.

Born in Torrence, California to Jesse & Dorothey Hollyfield on January 14, 1952. Growing up in the city of Orange and Silverado Canyon, California. She moved to Oregon at the age of 16, where she remained for the rest of her life, aside from a brief return to California at the age of 20. She lived in Silverton until her passing.

In her lifetime, she worked for The State of Oregon at Department of Veteran Affairs and at the Department of Revenue. She was a house painter with her dad for a couple years, later working for many years as the breakfast waitress at the The Nickelodeon Restaurant in Silverton (Where Amerititle is today.) Following that she began Bartending at the The Home Place Restaurant in Silverton, later becoming the breakfast waitress downstairs there. Many of her customers were accustomed to her throwing creamers at them, as well as her smart mouth shenanigans. After the 2002 fire at The Home Place, her final place of employment was at Wolf Steel Foundry in Hubbard. She retired in 2016.

The men she married and attracted are nothing that needs to be mentioned here, however with the help of them she did get her two greatest blessings, her daughters Erica and Meghan. Both of her girls were her everything and the greatest accomplishments in her life.

Ten years ago, she found the love of her life, best friend and her soulmate, Bob Lovatt. Their love was undeniably special.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister Margo McNutt.

Please embrace those she leaves behind, offering them comfort and support in their time of grief. Daughters: Erica Rumpca (Bryan) of Silverton, and Meghan Diaz (Eddie) of Salem. Bonus Daughter Emily Lovatt Harbison (Dustin) of Salem. Grandchildren: Hank Ulven (Miranda), Olivia Hyslop, Jagger Rumpca, and Diego Diaz, and bonus Grand Daughter Layla. Great Granddaughters: Berkley and Karra.  Sister: Jessica Hollyfield of Milwaukie Brothers: Tad Hollyfield of McMinnville & Lance Hollyfield of Arizona. Many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her girls would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the incredible team at Serenity Hospice for their compassionate care and unwavering support during such a difficult time. Your kindness, dedication, and gentle presence brought comfort and peace to our mom and to both of us.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 22nd at1:00PM at the Silverton Elks Lodge #2210 located at 300 High St. Silverton, Oregon. Our mom was the life of the party - the party will go on, but it will never be the same.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor her memory by paying it forward. Treat someone to a cup of coffee, a meal, or pay someone's bar tab. Spread kindness in her name, just as she would have done. And always TIP YOUR WAITRESS.

This obituary was written by our Mom and Erica this last week before her passing.