Brenda Kay Ilschner

A truly bright light in this world dimmed and then went out, but then immediately illuminated within God's Holy presense, as she entered the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus. Brenda Kay Ilschner went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. She was surrounded by her loving family who will miss her very much. Brenda was born on November 21, 1946 to John Hayden Hicks and Ruth Gray Hicks in McAlester, Oklahoma. She lived in Oklahoma until she was 12 years old and then her family moved to Overton, Texas. She graduated Overton High School and eventually moved to Wichita Falls, Texas where she met and married her husband Ed Ilschner in 1975. Over the next 47 years, including her retirement years in Hideaway, Brenda never met a stranger and made many lasting friendships. She loved to sew, knit, crochet, quilt, playing canasta and enjoyed spending time with the many friends she met who also enjoyed these things as well. She was an avid gardener and eventually became a Master Gardener. Working in her backyard tending and nurturing her many plant friends was her favorite of all things to do. Grandchildren were the most precious gift that God gave her and she loved them more than life itself. She had to ensure that all her grandchildren were treated equally when it came to gift giving. She loved every opportunity to be with them and share her love of gardening, crafts and, yes, even knitting. She was an excellent cook and her children and grandchildren looked forward to her Tortellini Soup. Brenda is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ed Ilschner, her son Craig Ilschner and wife Emily of Edmond, Oklahoma, and her daughter Crystal Plumley and husband Dane of Kingwood, Texas. She is also survived by her wonderful grandchildren Finley, Vivien, and Hadley of Edmond, and Olivia and Elena of Kingwood. She is also survived by her sister Joan Waters and husband Terry of Hideaway, brother Randy Hicks and wife Shirley of Kilgore, brother Steve Hicks of Longview as well as many nephews and nieces. An opportunity to visit with the family will be held at the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale, Texas from 6 pm to 7 pm on Friday, July 15, 2022. A service to honor Brenda's life will be held at the Hideaway Community Church at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 16, 2022 followed by Private Family Graveside Services at the Lindale Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Brad Waters, Craig Nations, Dustin Hicks, Terry Boriskie, Richard Bosquez, Kris Kosh. Alternates are: Hayden Nations, Andrew Waters. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that a memorial gift to benefit the Lindale Education Foundation or a donation to Hospice of East Texas be considered. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Hospice of East Texas for their kind assistance during a very trying time.

Brenda Kay Ilschner

November 21, 1946 - July 13, 2022