Elena Pittman, 98, of Wickliffe, Kentucky, passed away at her residence, surrounded by love and compassion on January 6, 2026. She was born on June 6, 1927, to the late Eduardo Sandoval and Helen Collier.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Elena was a proud graduate of North Nashville High School. She later enrolled at Peabody College in Nashville, where her life took a beautiful and unexpected turn. While visiting a VA hospital with a friend, Elena met a wounded soldier who would become the love of her life. Their bond was immediate and enduring. As soon as he was able to leave military service, they married and began their life together.
Elena, a true city girl, followed her husband to Wickliffe, Kentucky, embracing country life—complete with its early challenges, including a home without electricity or indoor plumbing. Together, they built a life rooted in love, perseverance, and family, raising five children. Elena was an exceptionally devoted wife and mother, ensuring her children were always cared for, never going to bed dirty or hungry, and always knowing they were loved.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Elena was the oldest member of First Baptist Church of Wickliffe and remained actively involved for many years. She taught Sunday school, served on the kitchen committee, and dedicated countless hours to the work of the church she loved so dearly.
Above all, Elena loved her family deeply. She spoke often of her joy in them and found comfort in her faith, ready to be reunited with her beloved husband in Heaven.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mercy Health Compassus for their compassionate care and devotion during Elena’s final days.
Elena is survived by her four daughters, Linda (Myles) Todd of Murray, Kentucky, Jeanne Maupin of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Pam Martin of Wickliffe, and Sharon Pittman of Wickliffe; one son, Neil (Linda) Pittman of Wickliffe; three sisters, Pilcarcito (Honey) Clark of Donelson, Tennessee, Margaret Merkel of Alvin, Texas, and Juanita Martin of Alvin; one brother, Manuel Sandoval of Alvin; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, James Warren Pittman; a son, James Gordon Pittman; sister, Maria (Wesa) Martin; two brothers, Ed Sandoval and Edward Sandovol Jr.; two granddaughters, Baby Girl Todd and Elena Teneil Todd; and her parents.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe with Bro. Larry Fraser and Bro. Scott Fickes officiating. Burial will follow at Wickliffe City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe, with an extra hour visitation from 11:00 am until the service time of 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or to Gideons International, PO Box 10, Kevil, KY 42053.
Share a memory or leave an encouraging message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
