Barbara Louys

IRON MOUNTAIN - Beloved mother, Barbara N. Louys, 74, of Iron Mountain, lost her fight with cancer. She died at her home in Iron Mountain on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, surrounded by her family. Barbara was born on Sept. 6, 1931, in Beacon Hill, lower Michigan, the daughter of Evan and Lillie Nelson of Iron Mountain and niece of Pat and Charlie Nelson of Kingsford. Barbara graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1949, and attended Michigan State University. She married Richard C. Louys and moved with her two daughters to McMinnville, Ore., where she had a son. Barbara graduated summa cum laude from Linfield College with a bachelor of arts degee in home economics. She was a school teacher in the McMinnville Public School system before moving back to Iron Mountain to manage the family business, Nelson Paint Co., with Evan and Charles Nelson. She became the sole owner of Nelson Paint Co. upon the death of her father and mother. Barbara took great pleasure in her immediate family and close friends. Barbara also enjoyed meeting with her embroidery group and classmates. She was a member of Zonta and the Society of American Foresters. Barbara's hobbies included sewing, gardening, digitized machine embroidery, travel, and shopping. Barbara really enjoyed her computer and e-mail. She is survived by two daughters, Karen (Casey) Cox of Iron Mountain, and Karol (Paul) Horton of McMinnville; one son, Richard (Teresa) Louys of Iron Mountain; 10 grandchildren, Madison Cox, Briana Horton, Desiree Horton, Vanessa Horton, Jessalyn Horton, Myles Horton, Colette Horton, Eliott Horton, Richard C. Louys III, and Melanie Louys. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Conrad Nelson; and one granddaughter, Arielle Horton. Visitation will be Friday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Barbara's name to Northwoods Airlifeline. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Barbara N. Louys online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Barbara Louys

August 27, 1932 - August 27, 2006