Louise Long Trest died at Trinity Health Care Facility in Columbus, MS, on Friday, March 10, 2023 after an extended illness. Louise was born to Joseph Alvin and Mauriece Long in Starkville on September 19, 1940. She grew up in Starkville graduating from Starkville High School and Mississippi State University. While attending Mississippi State, Louise was a member of Chi Omega sorority, Kappa Delta Pi and Cardinal Key. She also represented the city of Starkville as a Lady of the Realm in the 1960 Cotton Carnival.
Louise had an active life during her youth when she enjoyed horseback riding, water skiing, fishing and other outdoor activities. As a young member of the Starkville community she was a member of Junior Auxiliary, First Baptist Church and Faith Baptist Church. The faith of her youth remained strong ; it supported her throughout the long years of her failing health.
Louise married Gene Keller in 1961 and together they had three children: Richard, Pattie and Jennifer. They raised their family in Starkville while managing the family business, Dairy Feed Company.
In 1991, Louise married Wendell Trest and moved to the Lafayette, Louisiana area, where they lived until Wendell’s death in 2007. In 2000, Louise suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting from an aneurism. Even though her physical abilities were somewhat limited after this time, she enjoyed living on the bayous with Wendell until his death.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joseph Alvin Long, Jr (Sonny), her second husband Aubrey Skelton, and Wendell Trest.
She is survived by her children and their spouses: Richard Alan Keller and wife Melanie of Centerville, Ohio; Pattie Anne and husband Frank Bonner of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and Jennifer Katherine and husband Bill Pearce of Auburn, Alabama. Louise was blessed to have 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Healthcare in Columbus, MS for the love and care they gave Louise. During her 10 years as a resident there the staff lovingly and compassionately cared for her and became “family” to her and her children.
Visitation will be held at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS on Saturday, March 18th, 2023, 10:00-11:00 a.m. with the funeral service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to United Methodist Senior Services or Lottie Moon Christmas offering.
