Mary Louise Wilson, age 99, a lifelong resident of the Bronson Community, passed away at Heartland Meadows Assisted Living on May 5, 2026, in Iola, Kansas.
She was born November 2, 1926, at the family farm home north of Bronson, the daughter of John C. Camac and Lula Ermel Camac.
After attending a one-room grade school, she graduated from Bronson High School in 1944. She began attending summer school at Fort Scott Junior College and Pittsburg State Teachers College to receive a World War II emergency school teaching certificate. She taught school in a one-room schoolhouse for five years.
On November 28, 1946, Mary Louise married Loyd E. (Gene) Wilson after his return from service in the army. They were blessed with two children, Peggy Lou and Jack Eugene. Gene and Mary lived on the same farm where Gene was born for 65 years. Gene passed away in Iola, Kansas, on May 28, 2011.
Mary Louise became a homemaker on the farm and later worked 19 years for the Western Insurance Company in Fort Scott, Kansas. She had been an active member of the Bronson Methodist Church, the Bronson Order of the Eastern Star, and various other clubs and organizations of the Bronson Community. She was always supportive of her children’s school and community activities. Mary Louise enjoyed sewing and cooking, and was happiest when entertaining or helping her family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards and Sudoku. She and Gene enjoyed square dancing.
Survivors include the children, Peggy L. Clark (Robert) of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Jack E. Wilson (Norma) of Bronson. One grandson, Jerod Wilson Clark ( Sarah) of Chicago, Illinois. Three step-grandchildren, Amy Utley ( Curtis) of Iola, Kansas, Lynda Krouse, and Tom Davis ( Melissa ), both of Illinois. Seven step-great-grandchildren and four step-great-great-grandchildren, all of Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Bud Camac (Betty), and sister, Julia Ann Rhoton (C.W. – Bill) Rhoton.
Following cremation, a private family graveside service and burial will take place at the Bronson cemetery.
