Louise Shaft

Louise C. Shafts story began in 1913, just months after Woodrow Wilson was elected president with the promise to keep the United States out of the First World War. Women were trumpeting the right to vote, the control of alcohol and the need for fair labor laws affecting children. In her own right, Louise made her mark on her family and her community. Being very kind and loving, perpetually happy and caring, Louise was an inspiration and example to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Louise was born Charlene Louise to Charles and Louie Ellen (Fowler) Stephens on July 29, 1913 in Wingate, Indiana. Because her young sister couldnt say Charlene, she reverted to Louise or Weesie for short. The name stuck and Charlene was called Louise from then on. Louise and her sister Betty Lou and brothers Lester and Chester grew up in Indiana until she was teenager. At that time, her father was in a tragic accident at the brickyard where he worked, and he died from his injuries. Suddenly a single parent, Louises mother made the decision to move the family to Fremont, Michigan to be near relatives. They were able to buy a house with money from the insurance settlement, and the close-knit, rural community became their new home. Louise graduated from Fremont High School in 1932 and found work at the towns Gerber baby food company. Her life took a major turn when she met a fellow employee, Floyd Shaft. He worked as a truck driver for Gerber and had a daughter and a son from a previous marriage. As they dated, Louise fell in love with Floyd and embraced his children as well. When they eloped to Indiana and were married on December 12, 1935, Louise gained a family and treated young Donna and Floyd as her own. Placing a high value on relationships, Louise and Floyd became very close to relatives in the area and truly enjoyed visiting and socializing with them. The newlyweds were made for each other. Louise and Floyd were together constantly in work and play. She continued with Gerber, and he delivered gasoline and at one time owned a gas station as well. They liked to go fishing and camping, and for a while they kept a trailer on property along the Muskegon River. After a few years, the two of them decided to move to Ferrysburg, Michigan where they settled into a home on West Spring Lake Road. They joined the Fruitport Congregational Church and became very active members. She was part of the ladies group and helped out with luncheons and numerous church events. Whether working or volunteering, Louise joyfully gave of herself for the benefit of others. In the neighboring town of Fruitport, Louise took a job as clerk at Braaks Bakery. She loved her work and all the people she met across the counter. She was a valued employee, and in the 30+ years she worked there, Louise became well known by face, personality and quality of service. Louise also made her home a pleasant environment. Happiness surrounded her, and such quaint phrases as Golly, Gee Whiz, and Oh My Stars expressed the extent of her displeasure. She was delighted have nieces and nephews come to her home, and when Louise became a grandmother, her grandchildren couldnt imagine a more perfect grandma. With several cats and multiple Chihuahuas running around the house, the kids loved spending time with grandma and grandpa. Though Louise and Floyd took trips to Arizona and several other places, there was no place like home. Even when they changed locations, Louise and Floyd made their home a welcoming place to be. They made many new friends after they sold their house and moved to a mobile home park in Crockery Township. When her beloved Floyd died in 1995, Louise went to live in senior housing on Lloyds Bayou in Spring Lake. She liked it there, but after a time she started showing signs of Alzheimers dementia and needed more help. In 2000, she returned to Fremont to be near relatives once more. They visited her often at the Transitional Health Services nursing facility. Extended family loved talking to Louise because they learned so much of their family history through their conversations, and her wonderful disposition made it a joy to be with her. Eventually the years took a toll on her body, and Louise died on Monday August 2, 2010. Louises long years of life were characterized by faith that overcame sorrow, integrity that treated others with respect, and love that nurtured goodness in others. Mrs. Louise C. Shaft is survived by her daughter, Donna Miller of Grandville; 6 grandchildren, Theodore (Laura) Miller, Thomas (Jan) Miller, Shari Young, Dale (Sandy) Shaft, Cheryl (Patrick) Voss, Carol (Gary) Appel; several great and great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Charles Roggow, Pam Roggow, Kate Roggow, Gary Stephens, Janet Gerding, Charles Stephens, Charlene Stephens, Ricki Stephens; many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd in 1995; son, Floyd in 2005; grandson, Jay in 2002; granddaugher, Gail in 2007; brothers and sisters. A memorial service will be held Monday, August 9, 2010, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel ~ Fruitport. Family will receive visitors on Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home ~ Fruitport. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association. Please visit www.clockfuneral home.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story ~ Fruitport Clock Life Story Funeral Home