Erma "Louise" Mershon

Erma “Louise” Mershon, 95, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026 surrounded by family.

Born on April 3, 1930, Louise was the fifth of Harry and Thelmae Hamilton’s six children. Louise had many fond memories of her years at Halls Memorial High School, playing basketball, serving on the yearbook staff, participating in student government, and dating Jerry Mershon. Louise and Jerry were destined to be together from the time they first met in the 8th grade. The love, devotion, respect and admiration they had for each other throughout their lifetimes was very special.

Louise attended Central Missouri State College before teaching grades 1 -4 in a one-room school house in Atherton, Missouri. She decided to make a career change and for several years she took the bus from Buckner into downtown Kansas City for an office job and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city. In 1952, Louise applied for and was selected to become a flight attendant for TWA. She was first based in Chicago, then San Francisco and then New York City so that she could fly internationally and had layovers in Paris, Frankfurt and Lisbon. Louise had wonderful memories of her six years of traveling the world with TWA.

In 1959, Louise and Jerry were married. With Louise coming from a family of six children and Jerry being one of ten, there was no shortage of close-knit family fun. But they soon began a family of their own, and by 1963 they had three children, two daughters and a son.

During this time, they also purchased farm land just outside of Buckner, where their young family settled. Louise loved her life as a mother and as the faithful wife of a farmer. She served meals to the silage and hay crews, chauffeured Jerry and later their son when they needed to move farm equipment from field to field, maintained the farm business records, and provided Jerry with any and all support he needed with their growing farm operation.

Louise was a very dedicated mother and was very active in her children’s school activities as well as in the Buckner United Methodist Church. She was also a devoted daughter to her mother, Granny, who was a short distance away in Buckner (or a quick phone call away unless you had to wait for the party line!). Louise visited shut-ins on a regular basis, taught Sunday School, worked in the nurse’s office at the school and even led Bible studies in her home in her late 80’s.

Louise loved spending time with her four grandchildren, and they loved spending time with her. Her age did not keep her from joining them on trips down to the creek to explore, playing wiffle ball in the front yard, climbing trees, flying kites or any other adventure they wanted to take on. The recent arrival of her three great-grandchildren brought her much joy as well.

Louise Mershon will be remembered for her character, personality and her clear love for the Lord. She put her faith in action by always acting in humility and putting others first. She was not one to complain, criticize, argue or raise her voice, yet she never wanted any praise or attention for that. Louise had a unique ability to combine these qualities with a spirited, quick sense of humor that kept things fresh, sunny and in perspective.

During the last years of her life, after dealing with a broken femur and an advanced cancer diagnosis which left her unable to walk or feed herself, she still had a happy smile for everyone, and when asked how she was, not wanting to boast or complain, she would cheerfully say, “Good enough!”

Louise will be greatly missed by but will live on in the hearts of Tonya (Carrie), Dana Rutscher (Steve) and Brad (Peggy), her proud children; Cody, Jared, Gabe and Catie, her four adoring grandchildren; and Vivian, Mia and Eli, her three precious great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by many other dear friends and family, including her loving and cherished nieces and nephews. Louise was preceded in death by her husband Jerry and their stillborn son Mark Brandon.

The immediate family will be holding a private burial service and will announce a future celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Buckner United Methodist Church. Please share fond memories and condolences at www.speakschapel.com.