Louise N. Hoard
1937-2023
On October 2, 2023, Louise Naoma Hoard went home to be with the Lord. In one moment she was holding her husband, Bob’s, hand and in the next moment she was holding Jesus’ hand.
Louise was the daughter of Nellie Shay Reese and Russell Reese of Mt. Morris, Pa., and Pleasant Valley, W.Va. Born on her daddy’s birthday, August 24, 1937, she served God faithfully her 86 years of life and served her country as the US Navy wife of Robert D. Hoard. Their military duty stations included Maine, where Bob and Louise served as 4-H leaders; Puerto Rico, where Louise taught Sunday School; San Francisco where she coordinated TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly); London, England where she was the Cadet Girl Scout Leader; Virginia Beach, Virgina where she created the Bayside Band Ticky Tacky Tailor Shop; and Honolulu, Hawaii where she created Kids of the Kingdom sharing Jesus with over 500 children at playgrounds in Aliamanu Military Reservation and overseeing Vacation Bible School held outdoors under circus tents. After 30 years of military service Bob and Louise retired to Berkeley Springs, W.Va., and joined Trinity Asbury United Methodist Church where they ministered with many young people and the community through the Creator’s Critters Puppet Troupe and where for many years Louise directed Vacation Bible School and taught Children’s Church. God’s light and Jesus’ love shined through Louise as she shared God’s Word with literally thousands of children throughout her years of life on this earth. Because her Lord and Savior lives, she also lives…Life, Death, Life-Resurrected Life.
Louise is survived by her husband, Robert D. Hoard; children, Brenda Stahl (Tommy) and Mike Hoard (Libby); four grandchildren, Ashley (Terrell), Andrew (Mikayla), Watson (fiancé-Casey) and Benjamin (fiancé-Rachel); four great grandchildren, Isabella, Liliana, Michael, and Diana; brother-in-law Richard Hoard (Beverly); and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be remembered for her laughter, love, creativity, sense of adventure, generosity and joy. Everyone was always welcomed in her home with delicious food, blonde brownies and fun games.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 a.m. with a reception to follow, Saturday, October 14 at Trinity Asbury United Methodist Church, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Heifer International (https://fundraise.heifer.org/team/534261) where you can donate a sheep, honey bees or a flock of chicks in honor of Louise Hoard.
