Elsie Louise Piper, 88, died Wednesday April 3, 2024, where she resided, at Brookdale Assisted Living Center in Lewiston, with loved ones around her. She was born Aug. 1, 1935, to Russell and Emma (Weber) Snyder, in Weippe. As a child, Louise was raised in many of the northern Idaho logging areas. Her family later moved to Lewiston, where she attended Lewiston High School.
Louise married Charles Harry Piper Dec. 31, 1952, and were together until his passing Jan. 22, 2015. Louise enjoyed gardening, camping, hunting camp with her husband, family and friends, but her greatest enjoyment came with the care and love of children.
Louise had a love for children and babies at an early age and was very helpful in raising her younger siblings. This love continued all the way through her adult life. She and her husband were foster parents for over 30 years as they loved and cared for over one hundred foster babies and children. Their home was rarely seen without extra little feet scampering around.
She was a strong active member of the local Lewiston Advent Christian Church, where she attended as a child. The church was later known as The Church of New Hope. Their family attended and helped with the responsibilities of the church, the building and grounds that assisted with the success of the church within the community. This is the location where many fond family weddings, funerals and gatherings took place.
Louise and her daughter received their CNA certificate and found it helpful as she raised her children, foster children and helped with grandchildren.
Louise is survived by her sons Douglas Charles Piper (Gina) and Darren Piper; sisters Sharon Nelson, Marilyn Luther and Glenna Chapman (Frosty); brother Ray Snyder (Marlene); grandsons Luke Piper (Brittany), Drew Piper (Courtney), Neal Story (Sarah) and Ryan Story (Brittany); granddaughters Brook Lunders (Jeff), Keather Cuthbert (Daniel), Afton Johnson and Amber Story and soon to be 22 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband Charles (Chuck) Harry Piper; daughter Debra Story, parents Russel and Emma Snyder; brothers Ralph, Vernon and Gordon Snyder and sisters Edna Fae Leachman, Georgia Grimm, and Alice Wallace.
A graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 12, at the Normal Hill Cemetery in Lewiston and followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Orchards United Methodist Church, 1213 Burrell, Lewiston, conducted by Reverend Mike Lawson.
A potluck meal will follow the memorial service for family and friends.
Preparations were made by Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home.
A special thanks of appreciation would like to be given to the many loving and caring staff members of Brookdale Assisted Living Center and the Saint Joseph Hospice staff.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Friday, April 12, 11:00 AM
- Location
-
Orchards United Methodist Church
1213 Burrell Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Get Directions - Additional Details
- A Graveside will be 9:30 a.m. at Normal Hill Cemetery.
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