Elinor Louise Brenner

Elinor Louise (Wilson) Brenner passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025. She was 94 years old.

Louise was born to Walton & Lillian Wilson on March 30, 1931 in Shannon, MS. She grew up in Verona, MS, just down the street from Elvis Presley's grandparents. When asked about the famous rock star, Louise described him as "just one of the ornery neighborhood boys." Even-tempered and gentle, Louise did not get too worked up about things like a brush with fame.

As a teenager, Louise moved with her family to Thayer, MO. Louise was visiting a friend one day when a young man named Francis Brenner came to call. His intention was to court the friend, but he ended up falling for Louise instead. It was no surprise that Louise would attract his attention. She was a lady through and through, speaking softly and never, ever cursing.

Francis and Louise were married in an intimate ceremony in Salem, AR on January 14, 1949. Much to her surprise, she was now a farmer's wife. Under their care, Francis's family cattle farm flourished. The Brenner Farm was honored as a Missouri Century Farm in 2021 as a direct result of their hard work and dedication for so many years. Their union was blessed by two daughters, Nancy and Dana. They celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in 2023.

Family was very important to Louise. She was a dutiful daughter, wife, and mother. She sewed dresses for her daughters and made sure supper was on the table for her family every night. She made a mean Texas chocolate sheet cake. Her grandchildren loved to visit her-both for the cake and to just spend time with their grandmother.

Louise enjoyed the quieter pursuits in life: backyard bird watching, reading, cross-stitching, tending her orchids, and corresponding with her cousins. She had a kind spirit and loved little animals. She had a beloved poodle, Chein, and spent many hours watching her cat, Tigger, play through the window.

At age 56, Louise followed her lifelong dream to go back to school to become a nurse. She graduated top of her class with her LPN certification in 1987. She used these skills to care for her parents through the end of their lives. Her grandchildren especially relied on her nursing expertise for every little bump and bruise. A common remedy recommended by Louise was to "wrap it in witch hazel." Her tenacity was source of inspiration for her family, proving that it is never too late to learn something new.

Louise was a beloved mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed. Resilient to the end, Louise lived her life on her terms with gentle kindness. She is survived by daughter Nancy Hubach, son-in-law Wesley Hubach, grandson Jonathan Hubach and wife Sarah, grandson Luke Fraley, granddaughter Dasha Russell and husband Allen, great-grandchildren Max and Somi Russell, and sister Barbara Wallace.

She is preceded in death by her husband Francis, daughter Dana, parents Walton and Lillian, and brothers Horace and Fred.

Graveside services will be 1pm Friday, December 12th, 2025, at Thayer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Thayer Fun & Friends Senior Center, which was co-founded in 1977 by Louise's father Walton Wilson. The mailing address for Thayer Fun & Friends Senior Center is 100 Chestnut St, Thayer, MO 65791.