Elsa Mae Hale, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Paola, KS, at the age of 100.
A member of The Greatest Generation, Elsa Mae Wilson was born on October 18, 1924 to Frank and Janie Wilson on their family farm, in Henley, MO. She was the youngest of two daughters, and shared a special relationship with her sister for over 80 years.
Known fondly as Elsie Mae, she met her future husband, Earl, shortly before he left to join the efforts of WWII in 1941. Moving to Illinois, she graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1943, and then worked for Western Electric for a few years before moving back to Missouri. During the war, her courtship with Earl blossomed through letters that traveled the world, and they were married on November 10, 1945 – just 9 days after Earl was discharged from the Army.
Having three children, and very dedicated to her family, Elsa happily took on the role of Room Mother at their school. She was also a longtime member and advocate of National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), American Baptist Women (ABW), and her beloved First Baptist Church of Stilwell.
Whether a camping trip with her family, a cross-country drive to Alaska, or a long flight to Australia, Elsa certainly loved to travel. Throughout her life, she was fortunate to visit a handful of countries, most of the United States, and an abundance of new cities and towns.
Elsa was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Earl Hale; her sister, Adola Staley; her son, Norman “Ed” Hale; and her granddaughter, Diana Koch. She is survived by her children, Richard Hale and wife Carol of Paola, KS, Carolyn Jennings of Lee’s Summit, MO, and daughter-in-law Marsha Hale (Norman) of Olathe, KS; as well as two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Elsa will be greatly missed by all who knew her; remembered for her supreme generosity, fierce love for her family, delicious homemade pies, and her lifelong devotion to Jesus Christ.
A visitation will be held Friday, November 22, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at Dengel & Son Mortuary – Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Dr, Louisburg, KS 66053; funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will be Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 1:00 PM, at Spring Garden Cemetery, in Eugene, MO 65032.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the American Diabetes Association or the First Baptist Church of Stilwell, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.
