July 24, 1932 – May 13, 2025
Anna Elhard, also known as Anna Peckham, was born Anna Wutzke on July 24, 1932, in Carson, North Dakota. She spent her early years on the family farm, where she developed a lifelong love of hard work and family.
As a young adult, Anna moved to Jamestown, North Dakota, where she worked at the Red Owl Store. It was there she met Harvey Elhard. The two married in November 1954. They made their home in both Jamestown and Bismarck, North Dakota, where they welcomed their five children: Sally, Frances, Joe, and Tom were born in Jamestown, and Nancy was born in Bismarck.
In 1964, the family relocated to Missoula, Montana, and later settled in Corvallis in the late 1960s. There, Anna and Harvey worked on the family farm and raised their children in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley. In 1979, they returned to Missoula.
Anna was a dedicated member of the Farm Bureau for many years and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbors, and family. She and Harvey shared 41 years of marriage until his passing in 1996.
In the years that followed, Anna remained active and continued to enrich the lives of those around her. She later married Desmond Peckham, and they shared 13 years together.
Anna passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a long and fulfilling life and was cherished by all who knew her.
She is survived by her five children: Sally Hritsco, Frances Lively, Joe Elhard, Tom Elhard, and Nancy Finch, as well as by five generations of children and grandchildren.
Anna will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, resilience, and family will live on in all who were fortunate to know her.