Elouise Nora Henrietta Priesmeyer LaRoche, 100, passed away on March 26, 2024 in Katy, Texas. She was born on September 23, 1923 in Guy, Texas to Louis and Emma (Koehler) Priesmeyer.

The youngest of 6 children, Elouise grew up on the family cotton farm in Needville, Texas. At an early age, Elouise displayed a natural God-given artistic talent and was awarded an art scholarship for winning a "Draw Me" art contest. At age 16, after a rare snow storm, she was recognized by a local newspaper for her snow sculptures of life-sized figures of George and Martha Washington. For fun, Elouise and her sisters would sing their rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" and became known locally as "The Sunshine Sisters".

In pursuit of life outside the farm, Elouise landed her first job at Mrs. Baird's Bakery in Houston. She married and became a devoted mother to a son and a daughter. The family eventually settled in the Spring Branch area where Elouise became a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ.

Elouise went on to work for a number of firms including Warren Petroleum, Editorial Engineering, Cameron Iron Works, Gerald D. Hines Interests, and Dresser Industries doing technical illustrating and drafting. During her career, she created layouts and drawings for electric circuit boards, HVAC ductwork, architectural lighting systems and at one time, she posed as a commercial model.

Over the years, Elouise enjoyed working and playing at her weekend homes at Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston. She took much pleasure collecting and decorating with antiques to create a fun place for entertaining family and friends.

After "Ellie" retired from Dresser, she and her husband, Harold moved to Spring, Texas. Together they enjoyed working around their wooded property, feeding and watching the deer, squirrels and birds. To accommodate her love for plants and a scenic view, she designed and drew up plans for her dream garden room addition. Spending time in her garden room was a great source of joy and inspiration to her. It was during this time that Elouise began creating artwork again, focusing on pastel painting. She completed portraits of her children, all of her grandchildren and a number of commissioned works. She became known for her life-like portraits, winning numerous awards at local art exhibits.

At 93, Elouise still insisted on mowing her own yard as well as doing all her own cooking, cleaning and occasional carpentry. She could often be found climbing a ladder to check out a gutter or something on the roof. She enjoyed taking neighborhood walks, playing Chickenfoot dominoes and watching Wheel of Fortune. Elouise was a member of Cypresswood Christian Church where she was involved in the Sisters at Heart Women's Ministry.

Elouise was determined to maintain her independence and enjoyed living in her home for as long as possible. At 97, she moved to Caydance Assisted Living in Katy, Texas. There, she made new friends and enjoyed Bible studies, art activities, Bingo, and live music performances.

Elouise was preceded in death by her husband Harold LaRoche, and her parents, brother Henry Priesmeyer and sisters Alice Hackstedt, Lillie Valka, Emmie Kohleffel and Lorine Mueck.

Elouise is survived by her son Ronald Hairston and wife Polly of Clarksville, Arkansas, daughter Diane Adams and husband Keith of Katy, Texas, 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all those who cared for Elouise at Caydance, and the nurses and staff from Bayou City Hospice and Three Oaks Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

If desired, memorial donations in honor of Elouise may be made to a charity of your choice.