Louise Hood

April 6, 1931 - January 6, 2022

Lillie and Neill Fincher welcomed their precious daughter Anna Louise on April 6, 1931, in Waldo, Arkansas. Louise joined sister Corrine, and brothers, Lawrence and Jamie. A few years later, sisters Nell and Edna completed the family. Throughout her childhood, Louise enjoyed reading, writing, and playing basketball. She and her sisters loved, played, and “fussed and fought.” After high school, Louise attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. Her first job after college was Educational Director at Grand Avenue Methodist Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Soon after her arrival in Hot Springs, she met Jim Hood who became the love of her life. Jim and Louise met in August 1953 and married November 29, 1953. Their short courtship lasted 68 years! In 1954, Jim and Louise moved to Marland, Oklahoma where Louise accepted her first teaching job. She continued her teaching career in Tulsa, where she spent nine years teaching English. Over the next several years, Jim and Louise welcomed four children, Linda, Larry, Joan, and Hugh. While raising her children, Louise also supported Jim in his construction and land development businesses. Book-keeping, managing family businesses, and decorating model homes, Indian Springs Country Club, and what was to be their home of 50 years, all became part of her responsibilities. As the years passed, seven grandchildren were added to the Hood clan. Damon, Steven, Katy, Scott, Allison, Allen, and Spencer brought joy to her life. Years of “Grandchildren’s Week” included activities created by Jim and Louise. Camping trips, gazing at the stars and learning constellations, art and construction lessons, field trips, puppet shows, and Christmas pageants were among the adventures. Later, five great-grandchildren, Ruby, Carson, Fincher, Ellie, and Ferris joined the family and were blessed to know their Mama. Reading, gardening, writing, decorating, designing clothes, and travelling with Jim all enriched Louise’s life. A life-long Methodist, Louise’s commitment to the church included being a charter member of Saint Stephen’s Methodist Church in Broken Arrow, singing in the choir, and hosting youth events in their home. Eventually Boston Avenue Methodist Church would become her church home for almost forty years. Despite her many hobbies, the most important part of her life was her family. Louise enjoyed planning special dinners and occasions for her family and was her happiest when all were together. Louise was a loving, compassionate, and accomplished wife, mother, and friend. She set a beautiful example of how to appreciate life and to treat others. She will be greatly missed.