Louise Wilson entered Heaven on February 25, 2022 at the age of 95. Louise was born to Jack and Myrtle Lee Salsman on June 30, 1926 in Richland, Missouri. It was there that she met the love of her life, Paul Wilson, and they were married in Belton, Texas in 1940 shortly after he joined the service. In 1946 they moved back to Missouri, having their first son in 1948 followed by twins in 1950. Paul then came out to California after his brother and two of Louise’s sisters had moved here to start a career and a life on the West Coast. Louise soon followed with her mother and their children in tow.

Louise wholeheartedly embraced the role of wife and mother, having three more children after settling in Eureka, losing her son Kevin before birth — a loss she would carry with her every day.

As Paul went to work to support his family, Louise dedicated her life to raising her children. Her heart was full of love for babies, as she was a caregiver in the nursery at their church and as her kids got a little older she became a caregiver for many children over the years, providing childcare for working mothers. Those children were loved as her own. She did this for many years and continued as her grandchildren came and joined in with the neighborhood kids she was taking care of. Her door was always open and full of laughter and love.

As years passed by, children grew. Her caretaker role was then filled with the needs of her mother and then Paul. Once he retired they were able to travel, going back to Missouri to visit the family they had left and to look back on where they started. They loved and organized family picnics at Richardson’s Grove and hosted large family gatherings at their home. They were happiest when their family gathered and whether it was laughter from stories or hooting at a game on TV. They were surrounded by who they loved the most. The babies of the family, more often then not, would be found snuggled on Louise’s lap. She was the best Nana. Louise absolutely loved getting together with her sisters, whether they were playing cards, sharing a meal, shopping with them and her daughters… Then grandchildren joined the fun.

Paul and Louise were married 67 years and then he was called home. After years of taking care of him as he had became frail, she was lost. The love, the true love and commitment the two of them shared was admired by so many. They took care of each other. They were best friends and set an example to everyone of what commitment and unconditional love really is. Louise continued for 13 years without him, missing him every day and wishing she could see him “just once.” We know he was in Heaven and there to greet her when she arrived. All she wanted was to see him, her mother, her baby boy and all six of her siblings – as being the youngest, she was the last to join them. We know they are all together now and although we will miss her dearly, we know she is safe, healthy, loved and happy. We couldn’t ask for more than that.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband Paul, her parents, siblings and her little baby boy Kevin. It had been over 50 years and she still spoke of him and made sure his little grave was visited and he was remembered. She is also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Margaret Wilson and her son-in-law Duane McKay.

She is survived by the ones she loved with her whole heart: Children: Paul Wilson (Vicki) Ron Wilson (Lynn) Connie McKay, Doug Wilson, Kelly Ward (Rodney) … Rodney … who always put a sparkle in her eye and made a smile appear — not a son-in-law, but a son. Grandchildren: Mike Marcelli (Charity), Angela Gibson, Brad Gibson, Shane DePute (Tiffany) Sasha Africa (Bret) Ryan Wilson (Estelle) Steve Wilson, LeAnne Ives, Alicia Toroni. Great Grandchildren: Lacey Yates (Chad), Kody and Katie Marcelli, Capri and Aria Africa, Kaden, Kinsley and Carson DePute, Rebekah, Caleb, Jeremiah and Isaiah Ives and Kayla Wilson… and Maxine Wilson, who will be arriving this month. Great-great-grandson Kareem.   

Funeral services for Louise will be held Saturday March 5, 11 a.m. at Sanders Funeral Home in Eureka with graveside services to follow at Oceanview Cemetery. There will be no reception. Sanders Funeral Home requires masks.   

We would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support, and the staff at Granada for making Louise comfortable and for taking such good care of her during her short stay. We are grateful.

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