Louise Livesay

February 27, 1924 - December 11, 2011

Francis Louise Livesay passed away peacefully on Dec. 11, 2011, in Corvallis. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Louise was born in Ardmore, Okla., where she lived with her father, Dr. Robert Sullivan, M.D; mother, Hattie; and little sister, Marge. Growing up, she loved spending time with her father in his clinic, and joined him on house calls. Louise was a musician, and in her youth she was proficient enough to play "Flight of the Bumblebee," which won her the title of Oklahoma State Piano Champion. During World War II, she met a handsome U.S. Air Force Lieutenant from Los Angeles by the name of Robert (Bob) Livesay. After his return from overseas duty, they were married on Dec. 30, 1946. Louise and Bob spent their early years of marriage in California, where they attended college in Los Angeles. Louise earned a bachelor's degree from University of California, Los Angeles, and dedicated herself to teaching in public schools. She took a break from teaching to raise three children before she returned to school years later to earn a master's degree in special education from University of Northern Colorado. She continued her teaching career until her retirement in 1988. Louise had an exceptional mind, and was a lifelong learner. She pursued her interests in history, literature, theology, music and theatre. She held strong and thoughtful opinions on many things, including politics and current events, and was happy to share them with whomever she conversed. Throughout her life, she was involved in her church. Louise was an avid gardener, but she especially loved growing roses, and soon became a Master Rosarian to share her passion with others. Above all else, it was the love of her family that gave her the greatest joy, and remained the center of her life. Louise is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert; and her three children and their spouses, Robert and Joanne Livesay, David and Maggie Livesay, and Luanne Livesay and Alan Tate. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and their spouses, Andrew and Nichole Livesay, Rebecca and Eli Meklin, Robert Joseph Livesay, Sara Livesay, Robert Livesay, Nick Tate, Devon Tate and Eric Tate. She also shared her love with her nieces and nephews, who remained very close to her throughout her life. The memorial service and celebration of her life will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at First Presbyterian Church at Eighth Street and Monroe Avenue in Corvallis. The Rev. Bruce Cameron, the Rev. John Dennis and family will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Building Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 114 S.W. Eighth St., Corvallis, OR 97333.