Elaine Ann Backhus

Elaine Ann Backhus, 81 passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Good Samaritan in Hays, Kansas. She was born March 24, 1945, in Herington, Kansas to Clifford and Evelyn (Hamm) Platz. Elaine was the eldest of 6 born to the family.

Throughout her childhood, Elaine and her siblings created fond memories on the farm east of Delevan. While living there she attended the Grandview school, a one-room country school one mile east of the Platz home. In 1954, the family moved to a farm near White City. She attended White City High School and received her diploma in May of 1963. Following high school, she attended Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. After graduating in the spring of 1964, Elaine moved to Junction City, Kansas. There she took a job at the Geary County courthouse, where she worked for several years.

On June 18, 1967, Elaine Ann Platz and Edwin Martin Backhus were united in marriage at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Herington. Their marriage lasted 40 years until her husband, Edwin, passed on April 19, 2008. To this union, they had a son, Evan. The three lived in Hillsboro, Kansas for two years. Later, the family moved to Tampa, Kansas, where they lived for nearly 40 years.

Throughout those years, Elaine babysat children in her home. She was truly a mom to many. Watching them brought her so much joy, which showed through the care she provided them. While still living in Tampa, she later became the substitute Postmaster.

Elaine moved to Herington in 2005, closer to Evan and family. She spent mostly everyday watching over her beloved grandchildren; they were her pride and joy. During that time, she also worked part time as a housekeeper at the Herington hospital.

She moved around with her family but eventually they called Russell, Kansas home. There she volunteered most of her time at St John Lutheran Church. Elaine loved helping anywhere she could, especially the kitchen.

Elaine will be remembered as such a great woman. She truly was the epitome of kindness and selflessness. Always willing to help and volunteer her time where it mattered. There was never a day she spent angry, even to the end of her time on earth. She spent her later life doing what meant the most to her, following her grandchildren with all their activities. She was a mom to many but most importantly a grandma to them and all their friends.

Survivors include son, Evan (Tisha) Backhus of Russell, Kansas; granddaughter, Mileah Backhus (Bryson Werth); grandson, Camden Backhus; siblings, Cindy (Vince) Biehler of Herington, Carol (Roger) Diekmann of Herington, Mary (John) Wylie of White City, Don (Wanda) Platz of Delavan, and Tina (Kevin) Platz of Guernsey Wyoming; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Edwin Backhus and her parents, Clifford and Evelyn Platz.

Visitation with family will be on Thursday from 5-7 pm at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home in Herington and the service will be on Friday, May 22 at 1 pm at the St John's Lutheran Church in Tampa with Reverend Clark Davis.

Memorials can be made in her memory, to St. John's Lutheran Church in Tampa, Kansas or in care of Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 404 S Broadway, Herington, Kansas 67449.