Tillie P. Elkins, 94, of Richland, Washington died Monday, September 22, 2003.

She was born in the Pittsburgh, PA area on November 24, 1908 to Harry and Anna Pliscof. Tillie earned her teaching credentials and later married Meyer Elkins, a civil engineer with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. They traveled together on several overseas projects with the Corps. When in Jamaica, she had a lot of free time, so she polished up on her bridge game. She also accompanied Meyer when he was working on a project in pre-Castro Cuba.

When Meyer was transferred to Richland in 1943 to work on housing construction for the Hanford workers, Tillie worked as well. When Meyer went into the service later that year, Tillie continued working in Richland.

Upon Meyer's return in 1946, using her teaching credentials, Tillie taught 3rd grade at the old Sacajawea and then at Jason Lee Elementary Schools. She retired in 1954.

She and Meyer were founders of the Congregation Beth Sholom Synagogue in Richland. The very first meeting and first High Holiday services were held at their home. During the years, she served the congregation in many ways, as a president of the Sisterhood, and as the congregation librarian.

Tillie also was active in the community. She volunteered with the Kadlec Hospital Women's Auxililary, receiving an award for her many hours of service. She also volunteered at the Richland Library, and she assisted Meyer at the Federal Employees Union.

In their retirement, Meyer and Tillie were very active, traveling to Israel, Hong Kong and Europe. They also enjoyed travel within the United States and wintered in Thousand Palms, California.

Tillie and Meyer were devoted to each other and celebrated many happy occasions during their marriage of more than 60 years.

Tillie was preceded in death two years ago this week, by her husband, Meyer. She is survived by her niece, Jacqueline Riha; grand-niece and grand-nephew, Judy Riha nd Robert Bob Riha, Jr.; great-grand niece and great-grand nephew, Kaela and Kelsey, all of whom reside in California. In addition, sister-in-law, Mrs. B. J. Esther Elkins Becker; nephew, Professor Harold Greenberg of Indianapolis, IN; niece, Linda Greenberg of Somerset, NJ, and Helen Pliscof of Wycott, PA survive her. She is also survived by her local family: the entire Congregation Beth Sholom and the many generations of children she taught and influenced over the years.

There will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 25, in the Sunset Memorial Gardens, 915 By-Pass Highway, Richland.

Donations in Tillie's honor can be made to Congregation Beth Sholom or to the Beth Sholom Library, P. O. Box 761, Richland, WA 99352 or to the Kadlec Medical Center Women's Auxiliary, 888 Swift Boulevard, Richland, WA 99352.