Elva Janyce Sanders Musgrove went home to Heaven on December 24, 2025. This "good and faithful servant" of our Lord leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family and community.

Elva was born in Bowie, Texas on May 16, 1935 to Rev. Ervin and Sophie Sanders. The second eldest of five daughters, she learned early the joys and sacrifices of life in a family devoted to pastoral work–lessons that shaped her faith and values throughout her life.

She carried this foundation into adulthood, marrying childhood friend and sweetheart Rev. Alvin Musgrove, Jr. on June 29, 1956. Together they raised four children–Suzan, Celeste, Colette, and Jeff–while supporting congregations and communities in Missouri, South Dakota, and Texas. Elva's steadfast commitment to her family reflected a life lived with grace, faithfulness, and Christian stewardship.

Elva was also a creative and artistic soul. She found joy in singing in church choirs, sewing, cross-stitching, quilting, and crocheting. Through these talents, she extended care and kindness to others, generously donating handcrafted
items for many years to hospitals, nursing homes, and charitable organizations. Her quiet generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Elva was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law; her sisters, Lois and Doris; her beloved husband, Alvin; and her eldest daughter, Suzan, along with many other loving relatives. Her memory will be cherished by her surviving family, including her sisters, Barbara and Quinta; her children, Celeste, Colette, and Jeff; several brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; 27 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on January 3, 2026 at 11 am, St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress. A graveside service will follow at 2 pm, St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Westfield, Texas.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.