Louise Mooney passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 5, at the age of 95 with all six of her children at her bedside.

Born Alice Louise Whitchurch on January 30, 1920, in Sullivan, Missouri, Louise’s family came by car and covered wagon to Hotchkiss, Colorado, and established a homestead near Paonia under the Homestead Act. Louise grew up there from age 2 to age 18 as a farm girl growing hay and milking cows. She attended Colorado State University, where she met and later married Rex Mooney in 1942. The couple, and by then, a new family, followed wartime construction jobs in Nevada and California until finally landing in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in 1947, where they built and operated the Terra Vista Motel for many years. She was divorced in 1977. At the age of 63 Louise joined the Peace Corps and served in the Philippines for 3 years. She also worked as a volunteer teacher’s aid for over 10 years at Glenwood and Sopris Elementary schools, helping children overcome reading difficulties and later volunteered at Literacy Outreach helping adults learn English as a second language. She wrapped up a long career as a volunteer at the Frontier Historical Society Museum, continuing on into her late 80s. She reluctantly was honored in 2003 by receiving the Garfield County Senior Volunteer of the Year Award.

Louise has always been known as a creative artist. For years she did intricate beaded jewelry, beautiful leatherwork and unusual macrame, and she was an incredible seamstress.

Her other passions included adventurous travels, and camping. She had a deep appreciation for all things in nature. Louise was also very passionate about music. She loved singing in choirs and in groups throughout her college days. In later years she gave valuable feedback to several bands in the valley, and she also was the cashier at the Glenwood Springs Contra Dance for the last 13 years.

The greatest joy in her life was derived from her time spent with her family and her many meaningful friendships. Sweet Louise was widely known for her open mind, open heart and her witty humor. Her love and light will continue to expand through all who were infused with her wisdom, laughter and total presence.

Louise is survived by her four sons, Daniel from Marcola, OR, Michael from Pleasant Hill, OR, Gary and David both from Glenwood Springs, and two daughters, Annie McIntosh from Carbondale and April Moon from Glenwood Springs, as well as 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A gathering to honor Louise will be held on Saturday, June 27th, at the Third Street Center in Carbondale at 11:00 followed by a light luncheon. If a ride is needed from Glenwood, please call April at 970 404 0599.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity of your choice.