Louise Locke

A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Louise Ann (Meeker) Locke, 83, took place on Monday, March 5, 2012, at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church. Reverend Lynn Williamson conducted the service. Louise met her Lord on March 1, 2012, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Louise Ann (Meeker) Locke was born on August 9, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to William Edwin and Sadie Meeker. She was the youngest of three children and grew up in Bay City, Michigan. Louise enjoyed downhill skiing during and after high school and was a member of the Bay City Ski Club, excelling in the downhill slalom. Louise later shared her love of the mountains and skiing with her three children. In her early 20's, Louise headed ‘west' to Denver, Colorado with a girlfriend. While working as an airline stewardess with Continental Airlines, she married Rush B. Locke II in Fort Collins, Colorado on April 7, 1956. The couple lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, where their daughter, Judy, was born. They later lived in Lewistown, Montana, where their son, Rush III, was born, and then Casper, Wyoming, where their son, John, was born. Rush and Louise enjoyed 41 years of marriage until Rush's passing in 1997. Louise served her community in numerous ways. She was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, having served as an Elder and Deacon. Louise served on the boards of the Landwives Association, Salvation Army, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Wyoming Presbytery and P.E.O./Chapter AC. Louise always enjoyed gardening and referred to gardening as her "therapy". She spent hours digging in the dirt and produced gorgeous gardens! She belonged to the Town and Country Garden Club and hosted many gatherings at her home and in her garden. Louise was also a gourmet cook! She belonged to a ladies' Gourmet Group and they met once a month to share a scrumptious meal and friendship (with tables beautifully decorated with china, silver, crystal, fresh flowers and a full glass of wine). She was also a fabulous cook for her family, always looking for a new recipe to try! Louise was always learning and pursued continuing education. When her children were young, she took classes at Casper College earning an Associates Degree. She especially enjoyed the Arts and Humanities. She continued taking classes at UW/CC for "fun" and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree from the University of Wyoming in 1997 at the young age of 68! Louise spoke as an honorary commencement speaker at graduation ceremonies in 1997. Louise loved to travel and she was always ready to "go somewhere!" She enjoyed seeing and visiting many places in the United States and Western Europe. In her early 50's, Louise and many of her friends began playing tennis. She enjoyed learning the game and spent many hours on the court playing doubles. She enjoyed the fact that tennis often involved traveling to warmer climates in winter. This short summation of Louise's life is a small tribute to the many lives she touched. The joy she brought to everyone who knew her enthusiasm for love, life, and happiness will always be treasured. Louise is, and will always be, a Child of God, a devoted wife, a caring and compassionate mother, and a dedicated friend! Louise is survived by her three children, Judy (Mike) Harkins of Casper, WY, Rush Locke of Sheridan, WY, and John Locke of Denver, CO, and 5 grandchildren, Dan Harkins, Shane (Charity) Harkins, Kady Locke, Cameron Locke, and Taylor Locke. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Bernice (Meeker) Wyatt, and loving brother, Ed Meeker. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 4600 S. Poplar, Casper, WY 82601, the Osher Lifelong Learning Center/Casper College, 125 College Drive, Casper, WY 82601 or a donation of personal choice.

Service

Monday, March 5, 2012 1:00pm

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

4600 South Poplar

Casper, Wyoming 80601