Ethel M Tunnell

Ethel “Elayne” May Tunnell, Age 85, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 14, 2018 at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. Elayne was born May 26, 1932 in San Jose, California to Clarence and Clara Deem. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in business from San Jose State University.

Elayne relocated to the Coachella Valley from the bay area in the mid 60’s with her children. She went to work for the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and then on to the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau for a total of over 30 years. Elayne was an integral part of developing and building the Palm Springs Hotel Convention business in her position at both agencies. She completed her working career in the same capacity at what is now known as the “Wet N Wild Waterpark”.

At the time of her passing, she had resided at Mission Hills @ Rancho Mirage Independent Living for 2 years. Being an avid pet lover, she knew the name of every animal in the building. Elayne was on several committees at Mission Hills and was an “Ambassador” who assisted new residents in their relocation to Mission Hills. Elayne was the perfect candidate for the position as she always had a smile on her face, positive attitude and truly loved everybody. She was well loved by the residents and staff at Mission Hills @ Rancho Mirage and is truly missed. You could always find Elayne in a crowd, she was the one who had a hat on and a Kitty Cat or Bingo Sweatshirt. Upon her passing, Mission Hills named the Bingo Hall “Elayne’s Bingo Hall”. What a tribute!

She enjoyed so much through her lifetime from taking cruises, traveling, playing and Yelling Bingo, Designing and crafting plastic canvas creations and always willing to help anyone.

Elayne was a single Mom and is survived by her two daughters, Coby Lundy of La Quinta and Tami Held of Oakland, 4 Grandchildren and 1 Great-grandson as well as all the friends she made along the way. She will be missed immensely by so many that feel the void of her absence. She is truly one in a million!