Stoyna Ruth Louis

Stoyna (Lou) R. Louis, age 88, cherished friend, veteran, union worker, and champion for animals, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024 at Crestview Lutheran Home, in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. She spent her last days surrounded by love with family and friends. Stoyna aspired to “be someone,” and she was! She lived a life full of purpose and was known for her big heart, spirited nature (she had a playful habit of requesting whisky from the nurses), and her delightful, unexpected sense of humor.

Stoyna was born on April 2, 1936, in Bucyrus, Ohio, to Thomas Louis Sr. and Eva (Clark) Louis Wise. At the tender age of four, Stoyna lost her father and moved in with her Uncle Dennis (Clark) and Aunt Anna (Karbula) on their chicken farm. She was an active high school student, participating in the girls' athletic association, Glee Club, and serving as art editor and reporter for the Whetstone Township High School paper the Green Flash.

In 1954 she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corp. Stoyna was initially stationed in Arlington, Virginia, then attended Army Information School at Ft. Slocum, NY where she studied news writing, press photography, radio and television techniques, public speaking, and other public information subjects. Then Pvt Louis was assigned to Ft. McClellan, AL.

After serving in the WAC, Stoyna moved to Minneapolis where she met her lifelong friend, Kay Ayson while working as a receptionist in a beauty salon. Kay, along with her spouse Leo and their children, welcomed Stoyna into their home on Central Ave and she quickly became a valued member of the Minnesota family.

Stoyna dedicated many years to Benada Aluminum, where she ultimately led a union strike advocating for improved working conditions. In 2003, she became a passionate advocate for the Save the Deer initiative in Columbia Heights, fighting for the deer affected by new fencing in their natural environment. Always active, Stoyna continued to work well beyond retirement age, with her last position being at the county public health department, where she helped the elderly monitor their blood pressure.

She cherished summers spent at the cabin on Little Clam Lake in Wisconsin and visits with her Ohio family. She loved hunting for treasures at garage sales and all things James Dean. Thanks to her supportive circle of friends and family, Stoyna was able to stay in her Central Avenue home for many years following the loss of Kay and Leo. During her later years at Crestview Lutheran Home, she enjoyed singing and sharing laughs with her roommate, Lynn.

Stoyna was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richard Wise and Thomas Louis, sister Mary Kay Frost, her Minnesota family caregiver Loretta Ayson, her cherished dog Dolly, and her dear friends Kathryn Ayson and Leo Ayson. She is survived by her brother John Wise and sister Rachel Meade, both of Bucyrus, along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her Minnesota family, including Larry, Tanoa, Juanita, and Debra, her namesake and caregiver JamieLou, and a wide network of friends who were like family to her.

Stoyna was laid to rest November 25 at Sunset Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.