Obituary of Louise H. Adams

Louise H. Adams Louise H. Adams died in the presence of her family on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at Providence St. Peter Hospital. The tenth floor staff provided Mom with care and dignity in her battle with congestive heart failure. A special thanks also goes out to Littlerock Fire District 11. Louise was born Margaret Louise to Ralph and Margaret Hinkley on January 8, 1922, in Hallstead, Pennsylvania. To many in her youth and until coming west, she was known as Peggy. She grew up in a picturesque neighborhood near the banks of the Susquehanna River, which she attempted to navigate at an early age in a cardboard box. This was just the start for this adventurous woman. Peg was an excellent student and followed her older sister, Anne, as an outstanding basketball player in both high school and college. Mom never rang her own bell, but she was a star! Her parents were approached by "pro" scouts, but they chose for her not to know, as they wanted her to attend college. She still holds many basketball records at Keystone College. Peggy also received a degree in Radiological Technology which is responsible for bringing Mom west - as Louise. Mom left family and friends to travel by herself to Olympia in 1945, to open the radiological office for Dr. John W. Settle. Louise was head technician and later office manager until he retired and the business became South Sound Radiology, Inc., where she continued her career until her retirement in 1987. With Mom, work was like family. She really enjoyed her job and all the people she worked with. Louise met and married her husband, Shirell, shortly after coming to Olympia. Mom and Dad created a life together with a family of four children in the Olympia area. Louise liked fishing and camping at Lake Cushman and razor clamming at the beach. She canoed local rivers and took several wilderness canoe treks. The Bowron Lake chain in Canada was a favorite. Boating was also an activity Mom 'reluctantly' enjoyed with Dad. Scouting and the social interaction it provided held a special place for Louise. Cross country travel by train and automobile were family adventures that kept the west and east family members together. What fun! After retirement, Louise and Shirell concentrated on remodeling their cabin on the bay. Both enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of their little bit of paradise for fourteen years until Shirell's death. Louise and her dog, Freddie, moved into an apartment on her daughter's ranch to be closer to family and friends. Louise is predeceased by her husband, Shirell, who passed in October of 2002; and sister, Evelyn Shroat. She is survived by her four children, who all live locally, Ralph Adams (Colleen), Cherie Crabill (Bill), Karen Sousie (Marc), and Jeff Adams (Cheryl). Louise is also survived by seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, as well as her two sisters-in-law, Sue Tanner and Jean Adams. Back east, she is survived by her ninety-one year old sister, Anne, numerous nieces, nephews and old friends. She lived well, laughed often and loved much. Mom was also much loved in return! A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the Masonic Center, 455 North Street SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. Memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity. To share a memory, please click on "View Guestbook" below.