Eleanor L. (Kaup) Williams

Eleanor L. Williams, 91 of Brownsburg, Indiana, passed away peacefully in Indianapolis, Indiana, February 29, 2024.  The following is a tribute written by her loving family.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Eleanor was always at peace when she could be outside. Even though Indiana doesn’t have mountains as Colorado did, she always commented that she still loved the view of her backyard and would be outside just as soon as it would be warm enough. When the fall came, she was happy to help host a big bonfire for friends and neighbors. She had a beautiful garden she would tend to and loved the feeling of hanging clothes out on the line to dry during the summers. Her husband, Merle, gifted her a beautiful gardening shed that she was often found in when she wasn’t sitting on the back porch drinking a large glass of sun tea.

Eleanor and Merle were a beautiful love story that is now continuing in Heaven. Meeting via letter through her brother, George, Eleanor began writing Merle while he was stationed on a ship in the Korean War. It took only two weeks of time together in-person before they were married. They remained in deep love and commitment to each other, even after Merle’s death in 2019. She was a caretaker and homemaker, raising their two children while taking up small retail jobs when needed. As they got older, Eleanor made it a priority to care for Merle and be there for him as he had more difficulty getting out of the house and held his hand as he died in their home they built together. Her family is confident that they are holding hands now and looking down with pride.

Although her mother died when she was young, Eleanor was the embodiment of motherly love. She spent her life loving her family, her friends, and animals. She was sincerely well-loved by anyone she met and never met a stranger (though part of that was due to Merle’s limitless charisma). Eleanor’s faith remained strong throughout her life as she promised to lead with love, kindness, and honesty. She committed her life to helping others through helping raise her granddaughter and volunteering at Hendricks Regional Health for several years. She always put family first and hated to “be a bother”, though she never was.

Eleanor was known for her sweet giggle, her listening ear, and her beautiful spirit. She was always willing to ride along on adventures, whether it be with her husband as they rode around town for errands, going on a spontaneous day trip to a winery, or on a road trip to Florida. Eleanor was an active member of Connection Pointe Christian Church (formerly Brownsburg Christian Church) and participated in the Hill Toppers (formerly Golden Cheer) for decades. She continued to participate in services virtually and loved getting calls from people checking in.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her late husband of nearly 60 years, Merle Williams, and several dogs and cats she cared for over the years. She is survived by her children, Kathy (Lowell) Hoyer and Mark (Jenni) Williams; her granddaughter Jessica (Ethan) Pope and great-grandchildren Elah Grace Pope and Eleanor Rae Pope.; and her feline companion these last several years, Gimli.

Mom was all about her family.  Her family came first. She spent most of her adult life as a homemaker. Once we got older, she worked part-time jobs in retail and volunteered at the hospital.

She was involved at Connection Point Christian Church (originally Brownsburg Christian Church).   She was also part of the Hill Toppers (which was originally Golden Cheer).

She enjoyed her flowers and her garden.  She also loved her animals (both dogs and cats). The cats had leashes so they could be outside with her.

Friends and family will gather at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, Indiana on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 10 am to 12 pm, with the funeral service beginning at 12 pm.  Eleanor will be laid to rest in Lizton K of P Cemetery immediately following the service.

All are encouraged to keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.