12/02/2025
In Memory of Louise Dusenbery
6/26/24, doesn't seem that long ago until you realize it's 1924, not 2024, that you're speaking of. The year 1924 was when Macy's Department Store began the now-famous annual Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. But halfway across the country in Van Buren, Missouri, Roy and Edna Dusenbery and their two young sons were most likely adjusting to life with the new baby girl of the family, who would have been just six months old. That baby was Louise Dusenbery!
The Dusenbery family would eventually make their way to Jefferson City for Roy's work, and then, years later, when Louise was a young lady, they moved to Washington State to pursue the dream of being strawberry farmers. After a short time in Washington state with her parents and two brothers, Louise made her way back to Missouri alone, claiming the rain, cold, and lack of sunshine were not for her.
In her early years, Louise worked as a school teacher and then a telephone operator. She would build her own home with her own hands just off Westbrook Drive in Hartsburg, Missouri. Louise loved the outdoors and enjoyed the warmth of the sun shining onto her face.
In 2006, she moved to her home in Ashland on Amanda Drive. She remained active well into her late 90s. She served as president of the Ashland Garden Club and, I'm told, was a hoot to play pool with at the Ashland Seniors Center.
Full of wit and humor, having never married, Louise was a friend to many. She loved Pepsi and Oreo cookies, along with basically anything sweet. For the last several years, she made her home at Bluegrass Terrace Senior Living, where she was always the center of attention.
Having lived life to its fullest, our friend Louise passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, November 30th, 2025, at the age of 101 years, 5 months, and 4 days.
