Louise Wolfe

Velma Louise Wolfe (88) passed peacefully from this life Wednesday, January 31. Born January 1, 1936, in Loyall, KY, Harlan County, to Glen Blair and Ruby Lee Wolfe (Hill). She graduated from Loyall High School in 1953 and every Labor Day returned for her annual reunion as long as she could.

She belonged to Eastern Star and South Louisville Christian Church. Epsilon Sigma Alpha was her professional sorority and she maintained sister friendships through the years. She began her career at Reynolds Metal and retired from Armor Elevator as their benefits specialist.

She loved arts, entertainment, music, dancing and was a very popular dancing partner in her younger years. She volunteered for many years at the Derby Dinner Theater and Kentucky Center for the Arts when it first opened. Her joy was providing art classes and special interest lessons in art, dance, violin, piano, equitation, flying and more to her great nieces and nephew. Local history was also a love of hers and she thoroughly enjoyed her years as docent at Locust Grove.

Louise was famous for her knowledge of Hollywood stars and movies. Family always called on her frequently when a question arose regarding Academy Awards. Her home was filled with her collection of beautiful paintings by only Kentucky artists. It was important to her to patronize local artists and loved our famous Louisville art fairs.

Reading was a great pleasure for Louise. Everyday, time was set aside for reading the daily newspaper which she read front to back and would lovingly clip interesting articles for her nieces. Sidney Sheldon was a favorite author whose many novels graced her bookshelves.

Her nickname was Auntie Lou as in "Auntie Mame". Again, a nod to the films she loved. Two generations of nieces and nephews share many fond memories of playing dress up, visiting art shows, Cracklin’ Oat Bran, sleepovers, rotary phones, birthday balloons, Merle Norman, playing records (particularly Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive or anything Barbra Streisand), decorating her Christmas tree, Chuckles candy, and celebrating her birthday every New Year’s Day. She kept every craft and picture ever given to her. She never forgot a birthday and always signed cards “…and many more” with hand-drawn musical notes.

Louise is survived by her sisters, Jeanette Wolfe and Glenda Ryan (Michael), nieces, Carrie McGraw (Marcus) of Louisville, Julie Harp (Chad) of Lee's Summit, MO, and nephew, Michael Ryan (Sharon) of Canton, OH. She is also survived by eight grand nieces and nephews with two already waiting for her in heaven.

Louise was a talented, professional, gracious, and funny lady, as well as a kind, generous, loving sister, aunt, daughter, and friend who will be very missed. A Committal Service with visiting and prayers will be held at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd. on February 13 at 11am.