Louise Tischner

If life were measured in laughter, stories, and a little bit of mischief, Louise would have lived a thousand years. She embraced every moment with a spark that was impossible to ignore, turning ordinary days into unforgettable adventures and strangers into lifelong friends. 

The matriarch and heart and soul of our family, Ellen Louise Tischner, passed from this life, surrounded by her loving family into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, April 24, 2026, 32 years to the day that she lost her son Bradley. Although she was named Ellen Louise, she went by Louise her whole life. Her name came from a song her Uncle Linare Johnson used to sing, “Every little breeze seems to whisper Louise, birds in the trees seem to twitter Louise.” 

Louise was born on June 3, 1942, to Arvil Houghton and LaRue Johnson in Ogden, Utah. She graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City. After graduation, she volunteered as a candy striper at LDS hospital, worked as a “soda jerk” in a pharmacy, and Beneficial Life. At age 20, she got the unique opportunity to tour all over Europe. 

She married the love of her life, Kay Tischner, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 25, 1964, and they spent 59 beautiful years together. She sold for Avon while raising her family and made many lifelong friends. In 1991, she joined her husband Kay at Tischner Ford, where she balanced the books to the penny until she was 70 years old. 

Louise was an active and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Mom shared her love of the gospel and her love of her Heavenly Father by the way she lived her life. Mom served in many church callings, including Ward and Stake Young Women's Presidencies. Her favorite calling was serving as a ward librarian, where she made many new friends. Kay and Louise also enjoyed the time they were able to serve together for 5 years as church service missionaries in the LDS 12 Step Addiction Recovery Program. 

Louise had a way of making everyone feel special- she insisted on giving everyone birthday cards and still wrote special notes in every card up until her passing. Her home was the gathering palace for 53 years. Louise will be remembered for her kind and generous nature. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and important. Louise’s infectious smile and genuine interest in others created lasting connections and enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. 

She built a life centered on family, faith, and resilience. Through every season, she led with strength and deep compassion. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into each of them. Her legacy is the love that will continue because of her. 

Louise's memory was exceptional. She could vividly recall moments and tiny details from her childhood on. She was an incredibly talented woman who loved to paint, decorate birthday cakes, and she was an avid reader. One of mom’s greatest joys in life was her love for all birds, and she kept a pair of binoculars close by, where she could observe the birds feeding from her backyard. She loved to travel and the outdoors and nearly made it to all 50 states with her sweetheart. 

She loved spending time in the kitchen with her granddaughters. Making homemade strawberry jam, the family’s favorite Thanksgiving dressing, her famous chubby fudge every Christmas season, and her famous Fudge Jumbles and Puffed Rice Balls every Moab trip. 

We will be forever grateful to Kathy Brown, LynnAnn LeBaron Coombs, Paige Steele, Holly Gardiner, Clark Thatcher, Dr Rassmussen, and Dr Rosenback for the amazing care they gave our mom. 

Louise leaves behind her children Karen (Mike) Montague, Lisa (Marty) Wilkey, Kris (Rick) White, Mike (Kristin) Tischner, Amy Hansen, Aaron (Jenny) Tischner, and Sara (Dave) Moody. As well as 29 grandchildren and 21 ½ great-grandchildren, whom she adored. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Kay, parents, siblings, son Brad, son-in-law Allen Hansen, grandson Blake Ludlow, and her granddaughter Faith Wilkey. 

To honor Louise, spend time in your garden, smell the roses, go for a ride up Santaquin Canyon, and enjoy a Diet Dr Pepper with just enough pebbled ice from Holiday gas station.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Downtown Building 90 S 200 E Santaquin, Utah. Viewings will be held at the church Wednesday, April 29th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Thursday from 9:30 - 10:30 am prior to services. Interment, Santaquin City Cemetery.