Mary Ella Elder

Mary Ella Elder passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Boise, Idaho to Harold and Patricia (Vincen) Brush on July 22, 1960. Mary attended Bishop Kelly High School and then Boise State University. She worked in the livestock industry, which is where she met the man who would later become her husband. Mary met Tom Elder at the Woodburn Livestock Exchange where she was the Office Manager. They were married on February 19, 2011 in McCall, Idaho. Mary worked as a bookkeeper in the livestock industry for most of her life. She later became the office manager at Woodburn Livestock Exchange and Woodburn Auction Yard until her retirement in 2021.

Mary enjoyed hunting, fishing, photography, being in the outdoors, and especially going on cruises. Spending time with her grandchildren brought her the most joy to her life. Mary always thought of others before herself. She had a contagious smile and beautiful blue eyes. Mary was a loving, caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She will truly be missed.

Mary is survived by her husband, Tom Elder; her mother, Patricia Brush; her siblings, Debbie Brush, Randy Brush, John Brush, and Teresa Taylor; her children, Casey (Tristia) Hennessey, Sarah Hennessey, Elyse (Zack) Grimsley, and Chelsea (Travis) Starmer; and her grandchildren, Marlyse, Hallie, Finley, Fiona, and Cai. She is preceded in death by her father, Harold Brush.

A memorial service for Mary will be announced at a later date.