Catherine Louise Rutledge Eldred Mountford was born on August 19, 1922, at her family home in Riverton, Nebraska. She passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at the remarkable age of 103.

Louise was the second of six children born to H. Dewey and Nettie Rutledge. She spent most of her life in the Red Cloud area and graduated from Red Cloud High School with the Class of 1940. Following graduation, she worked in the Webster County Clerk's Office and later the Farm Security Office, where she met her future husband, Duaine L. Eldred. The couple married on May 6, 1942, and shared 43 years of marriage before Duaine's passing in November 1985. Together, they experienced the years of World War II and raised their two sons, Stephen D. Eldred and David B. Eldred.

Louise was deeply involved in the Red Cloud community and was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and participated in many church activities. She was also a dedicated volunteer at the Willa Cather Center, where she delighted visitors by portraying Willa Cather and giving tours of historic sites.

Her professional life reflected her strong work ethic and independence. Louise worked as a legal secretary for 22 years, operated her own abstracting business, and later served as office manager for Bostwick Irrigation until her retirement. She was known for her determination, positivity, and ability to face challenges with resilience.

Later in life, Louise married Bill Mountford of Red Cloud. The couple eventually made their home in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they enjoyed many happy years together until Bill's passing in October 2009.

Louise had many passions, including her love for Nebraska sports, where she was known as one of the team's most devoted fans. However, her greatest joy was her family. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly nicknamed her "Grandma Go Big Red." She took great pride in the fact that all of her great-grandchildren had the opportunity to know and love their "Gigi."

In addition to her husbands, Duaine and Bill, Louise was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ashley (Joyce) Rutledge; her sisters, Peggy (Alfred) Lisec, Phyllis (Carl) Stokes, and Betty Ann (Bob) Banks; and her son, Rev. Stephen Eldred (Barbarajean).

She is survived by her sister, Gaylene (John) Adler of Omaha; her son, David (Connie) Eldred of Plano, Texas; her daughter-in-law, Barbarajean Eldred of Willow, Alaska; her grandchildren, Mark (Amy) Eldred of Lincoln, Nebraska, Laura Eldred of Wasilla, Alaska, Christopher Eldred of Omaha, Nebraska, Alicia (Sean) McCarther of Ewing, New Jersey, and Ashlee Moore of McKinney, Texas; and her great-grandchildren, Noah Eldred of Lincoln, Nebraska, Keely Eldred of Omaha, Nebraska, Jack Moore of McKinney, Texas, and Ian and Lily McCarther of Ewing, New Jersey. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, located at 46th and A Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. A light luncheon will be served at 11:00 a.m., immediately following the 10:00 a.m. church service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial donations be made to the Christ United Methodist Church Mission Fund.