cell phones with no service can call 911..someone could give her an old one (that would hold charge) and a 'lesson' on how to use it (and have the Location thingy set On)

If someone would call the State Patrol and let them know the situation/path (and be Very Nice..understanding that they're asking a favor and that the cops aren't required to help families keep track of their elders) there's a fair chance that they'd keep half an eye open--unobtrusively making sure she was on the road and not wallowing in a puddle.

I applaud your aunt, Linn.
There aren't nearly enough people who will stick to doing what they know is Right when it's inconvenient for them. Especially when it's a choice between doing what's Right and doing what others want them to do.