Obituaries

Louise Ballou

Louise Victoria (Hujsak) Ballou, 84, died on March 12, 2007, at Providence Medical Center in Portland, Ore.

She was born on Sept. 22, 1922, in Merrimack, N.H., the seventh of 12 children whose parents, Stanley and Sophia Hujsak, emigrated from Poland.

Louise graduated early from high school and set out in the world. Her work experience included serving in Europe with the Army Air Corps. She married Philip H. Ballou in 1948. Philip's career in the Air Force took the couple, and later their children, around the country. Philip died in 1978, shortly after the couple's 30th wedding anniversary.

After a stroke in 2001, Louise moved to Pinedale to live with her daughter, Dawn, and family until 2004. She then lived in Portland.

Louise was known for her keen intellect, her quick wit, and her wacky sense of humor. She loved her family dearly. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed a tough crossword puzzle and a good game of cribbage. She took pride in her beautiful knitting, crocheting and sewing.

Louise is survived by daughter Gail Ballou of Fairbanks, Alaska; son Gary Ballou of Portland; daughter Dale (Ballou) May of San Diego, Calif.; daughter Dawn Ballou and grandsons Alan and Steven Svalberg of Pinedale; by several of her siblings; and many nieces, nephews and other members of her extended family.

She was predeceased by her husband, her parents and by several of her siblings.

Louise will be deeply missed. Her family held a private memorial service for her in Portland. She will be interred at her husband's gravesite in Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Condolences to Louise's family may be sent to her daughter, Dawn Ballou, PO Box 2250, Pinedale, WY 82941.