Elaine was born in Clarissa on July 21, 1936, the daughter of Michael and Anna (Lapitz) Sutton. Elaine’s lifelong commitment to Jesus began as a child, when her parents had her baptized into the Christian faith on April 4, 1937. She was later confirmed, reaffirming her faith in Jesus Christ. Elaine graduated from Clarissa High School in 1955. On April 21, 1956, Elaine married her soulmate, James Kingston, at the United Methodist Church. Their union was blessed with two children, Sandra and Roger. The young couple raised their family in Long Prairie.

Elaine worked at Harts Department Store, Consumer Mutual Insurance, and Cathedral Press. Although she enjoyed working and the camaraderie with her coworkers, her truly favorite place to be was with her family at their cabin on Lake Osakis. Hours were spent watching her children and grandson play in the water. Sunrises spent sipping coffee, welcoming the new day, and watching sunsets were the perfect cap off to a day filled with love and laughter. In her downtime, being a true Long Prairie resident, she loved to roller skate, travel, work on puzzles, crafts, and make countless quilts. Elaine enjoyed being a part of a bowling league and could always be talked into dropping a line off the dock at the lake. Her faith and commitment to Jesus Christ continued her whole life. She was active in the Trinity Lutheran Church as a Sunday school and bible school teacher. Elaine served many meals on the funeral lunch committee, was part of the ladies' circle, altar guild, and shared her hobby of quilting with the quilters. Elaine was given the gift of a beautiful voice. She shared this as a member of the church choir, and sang at countless weddings, funerals, and other events. She shared her faith as a chaplain, as a member of the VFW Post 1140 Auxiliary and Legion Post 12 Auxiliary.

On Monday, August 18, 2025, Elaine was welcomed into heaven at the age of 89. She leaves behind to live with wonderful memories her children, Sandra (Mark) Johnson of Clarissa, and Roger Kingston of Long Prairie; grandson, Chance Johnson of Long Prairie; sister-in-law, Thea Sutton of Aberdeen, Maryland; brother-in-law, Ronald Kingston of Long Prairie; many friends, nieces, and nephews that she met along the way. Waiting for her in heaven are her husband, James “Jim” Kingston; sister, Darlene Chase; brothers, George, Harold, Donald, Duane, Dwight Sutton; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Olson, Connie Kingston, Carol Kingston; brothers-in-law, Norman Chase, Gerald Kingston, and Jewel Olson.  Father-in-law Walter Kingston and Mother-in-law, Sophia Kingston.