Brenda “Bren” Elston
Brenda “Bren” Elston, 59, of Medaryville, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, Feb. 4, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
She was born on Nov. 25, 1963, to Ernest D. and Krystal K. (Critser) Woodard, in Gary. Bren graduated from West Central High School in 1981. She married Brad Elston on Oct. 3, 1987, in Medaryville. They affectionately referred to one another as “baby” for over 37 years.
Bren enjoyed crafting and flower gardening. In her younger years, Bren enjoyed horseback riding and barrel racing. Her favorite holiday was Christmas when she would turn the house into the North Pole. Some of the best family memories were made while camping, fishing, and spending time at the pool. Her grandchildren will always remember their Nanna singing “You Are My Sunshine” and the many ways in which she reminded them that they were her sunshine.
Bren had worked at Federal Mogul and most recently at the Pulaski County Surveyor’s Office. While she enjoyed her time at these jobs, her true passion was being a devoted wife, mother and nanna. Bren loved her family very much. She could light up a room with her personality and was never shy to tell you like it was. Bren will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband Brad Elston, of Medaryville; daughters: Heather [Mike] Ross, of Medaryville and Skyler Elston, of Medaryville; son Bradley “Heck” [Rachel] Elston, of Francesville; Kristin Wall Hunt, the one Bren called her adopted daughter; granddaughters: Trinity Ross, Lyric Ross and Bryntlee Elston; grandsons: Briar Ross and Easton Elston; mother Krystal K. Woodard, of Medaryville; sisters: Lavon [Sidney] Dulin, of Medaryville and Tammy [Doug] Mason, of Monon; foster sister and cousin Ruth [Rick] Critser, of Elk Horn, Nebraska; beloved dog Gabby; brothers-in-law Steve [Remi] Elston, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Scott [Claudia] Elston, of Francesville and Bob [Cathy] Elston, of Francesville; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; aunt Delores Miller, of Medaryville; and many cousins.
Preceded in death by father Ernest D. Woodard; and grandparents: Raymond and Beatrice Kors.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10 at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.
Memorial services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville.
(Pulaski County Journal — Feb. 15, 2023)