By Brena Saathoff, CTCN Staff

Nearing 61 years in business, Elaine Fullerton, a prominent member and supporter of the Duncan community, has finally decided it’s time to hang up her scissors and retire.
 Entering the workforce at 11 years old to help her mother support her and her siblings, Elaine developed a hard work ethic and a love for helping people.
 At 16 years old she earned her cosmetology license in Oklahoma and married her husband, David Fullerton. When her husband was discharged from the military in 1957, Elaine encouraged him to open his own company, Fullerton’s Plumbing. She even attended night school studying accounting and business so she could assist him in managing it.
 In January of 1963, Elaine purchased “Nona’s” beauty shop and renamed it “Elaine’s”, where she made it her life goal to help her customers look and feel beautiful. She also made time to help multiple nonprofit organizations, such as the Cancer Patient Society, in supplying free wigs and hair pieces to patients struggling with hair loss.
 She enjoys building relationships with these patients in hopes of encouraging them to see the blessings and stay positive.
 Thank you, Elaine, for being living proof of the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and selflessness. Your dedication and determination sets the bar for the rest of us.