(1952-2026)

Elaine Jo Soukup-Legere passed away on Aug. 19, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 74.

Elaine was born on May 4, 1952, in Ellsworth, Kan., to John Soukup and Arline Bettenbrock-Soukup. She graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1970 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Fort Hays State University in 1974. Elaine married Jerry Legere in 1972, and together they built a life centered around family. She dedicated her adult life to early childhood education, teaching and caring for children at multiple schools and learning centers throughout Kansas and Texas. She concluded her long career at the Lil Goldman Early Learning Center, retiring in 2022.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents John and Arline Soukup and husband Jerry Legere.

She is survived by her daughter Leah (Thyra) Sanders, Fort Worth, Texas; son Bryan Legere, Eugene, Ore.; sister, Sharon Soukup, Hutchinson, Kan.; brother Donald (Lonnie) Soukup, Ellsworth, Kan.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Elaine’s life was marked by her devotion to family and dear friends with a steadfast commitment to teaching and caring for children. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Harper & Lucas Funeral Home, 1500 8th Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76104.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Team Gleason Foundation in support of its mission providing care, services and assistance to people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Visit https://teamgleason.org/ or mail to P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans, La. 70184.