Mary Lou Elwood, age 88, of Russellville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Stonebridge Adams Street surrounded by her family.

She was born May 9, 1936, in Trenton, Missouri, the daughter of Harry and Hazel (McWaid) Custard.

On July 24, 1954, she married Thomas Hobart Elwood in Trenton, Missouri. He preceded her in death on November 8, 2022.

Mary was a homemaker while raising their three children, Sherry, Gene, and Wayne at their home near Humphreys, Missouri.

In 1979, Mary Lou and Tom moved to Russellville. She began working in food service for the Jefferson City School District and continued to work for several years. Mary Lou was a long-time member of Russellville Baptist Church where she could often be found caring for babies in the churches’ nursery. Mary Lou loved the St. Louis Cardinals. Among other things, she enjoyed going to garage sales and working puzzles in her spare time. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her family and friends.

Survivors include her three children, Sherry (Randy) Chaloupek, Russellville; Gene (Chris) Elwood, Jefferson City; Wayne (Lois) Elwood, Russellville; nine grandchildren, Kalan (Heather) Chaloupek, Elizabeth (Jesse) Porter, Amanda Gallegos, Erica (Brian) Volmert, Nate (Vera) Elwood, Andy Elwood, Emma Elwood, Christina (Jesse) Foster, Thomas Elwood; 15 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a great-granddaughter, Makayla Gallegos; and her siblings, Virginia McAtee, LaVerla Hess, Richard “Dick” Custard, and Donald Custard.

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Russellville Baptist Church with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Guy Thomas officiating.

Burial will be in Enloe Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Compassus Hospice or to Russellville Baptist Church.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Russellville. trimblefunerals.com