J. Darling "Darlin" (Wallace) Elsner

    J. Darling “Darlin” Elsner, age 71 of Anna, died Thursday, November 16, 2023 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. She was born on January 3, 1952 in Granite City, the daughter of Ray Eldon and Betty May (Thomason) Wallace. She met the love of her life while she was working as a carhop at John’s Drive-In in Venice, IL and she and William Dean Elsner were married on March 30, 1973 in Granite City, IL. He preceded her in death on September 9, 2016.

    She is survived by her children, Mark (Patti) Elsner of Greenfield, TN; Noah (Heather) Elsner of Jackson, TN; Michael (Debra) Elsner of Glenallen, MO; Steven (Jamie) Elsner of Cypress, IL; Phillip (Teresa) Elsner of Carbondale, IL; Becky (Paul) Gibbs of Evansville, IN and Danny (Dawn) Anderton of Collinsville, IL; 23 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Mildred Aldridge of Cahokia, IL; Joe (Linda) Wallace of Punta Gorda, FL and Charles Wallace of Clarksville, TN; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a grandson, Will Elsner and three siblings, Jimmy Ray Wallace, Mary Mogg and John David Wallace.

    Darlin enjoyed many things such as crocheting, watching the hummingbirds and recording the weather. She loved her family and loved riding the rails with her husband when he worked for Amtrak.

    A memorial service to celebrate the life of Darlin Elsner will be held at a later date. Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is assisting the family with arrangements.

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