Elaine Peters Pruncutz

Elaine Peters Pruncutz, a woman of remarkable strength and unwavering tenacity, passed away in Smithville, Texas, on December 21. 2025. Born in Akron, Ohio, to Paul and Ardella Ford Halman, Elaine lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to her family, and a spirited independence. 

On June 13, 1953, Elaine married the love of her life, Bernard "Bernie" Peters. Their journey took them from Ohio and Pittsburgh to Houston in 1961, where they raised their four children. Elaine was the backbone of the family's business ventures, serving as their bookkeeper and co-owner of The Open A Ranch in Ledbetter and later Giddings. Even in her later years, her sharp mind for figures remained; she managed the books for Bernie's Bar and Grill from 2002 to 2018, supporting her daughter Amy. 

Elaine was a woman of delightful habits. She looked forward to her "Sushi Wednesdays" and her cherished Thursdays with Peggy Bertsch, which began with a hair appointment and ended with a dedicated shopping trip to Super Walmart and HEB. When she wasn't out and about, she could be found at her computer, masterfully navigating Mahjong or her favorite video games. Above all, Elaine was characterized by her humble spirit-she never wanted to be a "bother" to anyone, preferring instead to be the quiet force holding everything together. 

Though a storm eventually moved her from her beloved ranch to her daughter Amy's home, Elaine's heart remained with the land. She found great joy in visiting the remodeled ranch house, and the family is deeply grateful to Jonathan and Meaghan Travis for ensuring she could call the ranch home for as long as possible. 

Elaine is reunited in Heaven with her husband, Bernard; her parents; her daughter, Connie Dennis (and husband Bob); her son, Tim Peters; her brother-in-law, Ralph Peters (and wife Genny); her nephew, Greg; and her dear friend, Nettie Monk.

Her legacy of resilience and love is carried on by her daughters, Nancy Ciavarelli (Matthew) of Ohio and Amy Peters (fiancé Mike Bostick) of Serbin; her granddaughters, Tiffany Ramsey (Jason) and Melissa Ciavarelli; and her three great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Jaxon, and Isabelle. She also leaves behind her "bonus daughter", Kathleen Parker (Kenneth), and many dear friends. 

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kyle Jenke, for always coming to Elaine's aid whenever she needed help, and to Joyce Jenke, whose presence during Elaine's final hours ensured she had a peaceful last day on earth.

In keeping with Elaine's private nature and explicit whishes, there will be no formal service. Her family will honor her life privately, scattering her ashes across the ranch she loved so dearly.