For the first time in 30 years, the pitter-patter of little feet will not be heard in the Jahnke household.

Elaine Jahnke first started her at-home day care when taking care of her cousin’s children. Her kids were a little older, her oldest daughter Evon was 18, but she said she liked having kids around. Soon the business grew, and in the end she was licensed to care for 14 kids at a time.

Pictures of the 250-plus charges are plastered on nearly every surface in the Jahnke household — on the fridge, framed in pictures and even taped to the top of the washing machine.

Each Christmas, Elaine’s sister-in-law gives her a sheet with photos taken throughout the year. There are pictures of kids fishing, playing, smiling and graduating. Photos of Elaine and Jerry’s own children hang among the day care charges.

Now 64, Elaine said it has been difficult for her to pick up the younger kids and run after the older kids, so she felt it was the right time to retire. Plus, her husband, Jerry, retired from his plumbing job two years ago.

“It’s a good time,” she said.

Elaine’s last day as a provider was Friday, and she teared up when thinking about what her life will be like without children constantly around her home. She said the day was bittersweet.

“I like doing it, though,” she said. “I’ve liked doing it.”

Outside, kids dug in the sandbox and ran through the grass. The musical sounds of kids banging on the piano in the living room came through the entryway to the kitchen, while other children screamed with delight in the garage.

Elaine’s life will definitely be different.

It will be nice, she said, to be able to do things for herself without the worry that she has to get to work taking care of children. She said she looks forward to waking up and watching birds or playing the piano. Elaine will have more time for her aging parents and her own children.

Elaine and Jerry have three grown children: Evon lives down the street, Steven is the city engineer, and the youngest is LaNelle.

Elaine will still be around children, she said, since Evon has a day care two houses down and Elaine’s sister, Eunice Newman, will take care of some of Elaine’s regular kids.

Throughout the years, Elaine had a lot of help. She said Newman, Evon, a sister-in-law and numerous other family members were always around to lend a hand. At times she had seven people helping her take care of children. And Jerry, she said, has been very supportive.

One highlight of her career, she said, was meeting and getting to know the families of her charges.

Overall, she said she loves kids and will miss them around.

“They keep you happy,” she said. “They keep your spirits up.”

On Sunday, many families of the children she cared for gave Elaine a retirement open house.