Louise Harris Doyle

Louise Harris Doyle, 89, of Ridgeway, passed away Monday, December 3, 2012 at Blue Ridge Rehab Center in Martinsville. She was born in Rockingham County, NC, January 4, 1923 to Robert Lee Harris and Lula Lovelace Harris. Mrs. Doyle was educated at Axton School, where she played basketball and ran track. In 1941, she married the love of her life, Lloyd Nelson Doyle, to whom she had been married 67 years when he died in 2008.

For 41 years, she cooked and served in the cafeteria of Ridgeway Elementary School, which she truly loved. She was happiest when she was in her kitchen and was well known for her pies and cakes. Any small kindness was repaid with something fabulous from her oven. Our Mother couldn't bear to think of anyone going hungry.

Remarkably, she loved sports, most especially NBA basketball. She never missed a televised game and remained Michael Jordan's most ardent fan.

She was a member of Ridgeway United Methodist Church where for many years she volunteered at the Clothes Closet which provided clothing for families in need.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, "Nonnie," and "Great Nonnie," strong and funny and compassionate.

Surviving are two daughters, Sandra Wade (Charles) of Thomasville, NC and Dianne Colton of Williamsburg; one sister, Della Harris Eanes of Roanoke; one brother, Robert L. Harris of Alvin Texas; four grandchildren, Loris Tart (Travis), of Thomasville, NC, Susan Wade of Raleigh, NC, Blair Black (Dan) of Charlotte, NC and John Caldwell (Christine) of Spring Hill, TN; three great-grandchildren, Mason and Sophia Black and Matthew Caldwell; nieces, Glenda Roach of Collinsville; Cindy Hill (David) and sons, Adam and John Hill, of Roanoke; special friends, Tabatha Martin, Bea and Paris Carter and the remarkable staff of Blue Ridge Rehab Center.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM at Ridgeway United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ridgeway United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 78, Ridgeway, VA 24148.