Dawn Marie Elliott

Dawn Marie Elliott, 82, of Yuma, Arizona, entered eternal rest on October 15, 2026.

The only child of Anna Mary Larocco Raffen and Willard Clifford Raffen, Dawn was born on May 10, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. During her childhood, Dawn formed strong bonds with her parents and her large extened family. This led to her lifelong devotion to creating strong family ties and values.

From her earliest days, Dawn Elliott was just plain cool. She grew up on the beaches, embracing the warmth and beauty of southern California. At age 11 she attended the grand opening of Disneyland in Anaheim. As a free-spirited teenager in the early 60s, Dawn danced on the beach with the actual Beach Boys—before most people even knew who they were! She exercised prize horses in beautiful Burbank. Utimately, she married Chuck in August of 1964–her soulmate for 62 years.

Dawn and Chuck shared their love for the magic and joy of the ocean with their children Chris and Cindy, and grandchildren. Weekends and holidays were filled with sun, surf, and scuba diving!

Dawn devoted her heart and soul to her family as a loving and nurturing wife and mother. She volunteerd much of her time to her kids’ many cheerleading and gymnastics adventures. And she dedicated over 25 years to her work as the inventory specialist for the San Diego School District.

Dawn stayed close to her family across the miles, even while “living the RV life” with Chuck in the early 2000s. Their coast-to-coast adventures always included extended stops whereever family had settled. Her priority was always being available for family fun and creating precious memories.

Dawn was no stranger to adversity and personal suffering. Through her darkest days of illnesses, she carried her cross with humility, grace, and dignity. She met each challenge head on, inspiring all who knew her. Following a serious stroke while still in her early 50s, Dawn fought all the way back. She proceeed to complete her degree at Christian Heritage College of San Diego and was honored as the valedictorian of her graduating class.

Through it all, she shared remarkable love and caring for Chuck, and she cherisherd her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Grandma Elliott’s number was on “speed dial” for any ocassion calling for celebration, support, advice, venting and/or discernment. Grandma Elliott graciously offered a listening ear, precious perspecitve, healing laughter, sustaining support, and unconditional love. “She loved and lived so very well.”

Dawn is preceeded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Chuck Elliott; her son Chris (Kim) Elliott; daughter Cindy (Mark) Young; her grandchildren, Karenna and Jolie Elliott; Breana (Chris) Tharp; Ashlyn (KJ) Talamor; Shayla (Brett) Reeder; Jennae, Kiara, Ava and Jaren Frederick; and great grandchildren, Parker, Carson, Hadley and Olivia Tharp, and Karter and Emersyn Talamor.

Arrangements are being provided by Sunset Vista Funeral Home of Yuma, Arizona. The funeral mass will be on Thursday October 29 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Yuma, Arizona. Those wishing to send flowers, please request they be delivered to the church. Interment will be on Friday Octoboer 30 at the Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery in Oceanside, California. The rosary will be prayed at 2:30 p.m. and the interment service will be at 3:00 p.m.