February 22, 1931 March 16, 2023
Louise Ward O'Kief-Trout passed away peacefully on the evening of March 16, 2023 with her daughters by her side. She was born on February 22, 1931 in Doniphan, Missouri. Being raised on her families’ farm, she learned the values of hard work, discipline and perseverance from her parents, Dewey and Geneva (Jones) Ward.
Following her father’s dreams of becoming a cattle rancher, the family moved West and first settled in New Plymouth, Idaho where Louise met and married Ralph J. Davis. Together, they owned and operated Davis Jewelry in Ontario, Oregon. The business grew and thrived in this ranching community due in large part to Louise's hard work, innate business sense and exceptional taste. A woman running a successful business was a rarity in the 1950’s and 60’s. Her daughters witnessed this achievement with great pride and admiration.
Escaping the hot dry summers of Eastern Oregon, Louise discovered Carmel and fell in love with the area and its people. She relocated to the Monterey Peninsula in 1976, first settling in Carmel Valley then later Monterey. Louise married John C. O'Kief in 1977 who passed away less than two years later.
In 1983, Louise once again entered the business world when she purchased the only independently owned Mark Cross store located at The Lodge in Pebble Beach, later changing the name to The Marquis. Then in 1985, in partnership with her daughter Connie, she opened Marchesa Jewelry also located at The Lodge. The jewelry business was Louise’s true passion which she, thankfully, continued to be involved in well into her 80’s. To this day, Marchesa Jewelry proudly continues to carry on the family legacy that she started so many years ago.
In 1984, Louise married C. Edward ( Ed )Trout and together they enjoyed traveling the world. Many of their favorite trips were to the British Isles offering the best in golf for Ed and the finest antiques for Louise. Most importantly, Ed and Louise were proud of blending the families their union created. Louise embraced the role of being a stepmom to Carolyn, Cathy and Steve. The number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren grew over the years and both parents took great pride in their growing family.
When not working or traveling, Louise enjoyed her time spent in the home she built in Vermont. It was a home created to be generously shared with family and friends. She loved to entertain, play Bridge and give dinner parties for friends and family. Her home cooking was with lots of love and plenty of salt, but always tasty. She was known for her love of all things British which included antiques, BBC sitcoms, a good cup of tea and, on occasion, a small glass of very fine single malt scotch. Louise was a devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. Known for her ‘striking beauty inside and out’, she will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Louise was predeceased by her son, Ward Davis; husband, C. Edward Trout and her parents Dewey and Geneva Ward. She is survived by her daughters: Connie Teal ( Philip ) Carmel, Tina Silvestri (Bret ) Monterey, Melissa Davis-Rozsa ( Shawn ) Pacific Grove. Stepchildren: Cathy Peterson (Marc) Boise, ID, Carolyn Trout-Hanson (James) Boise, ID, Steven Trout (Sally Stevens) Boise, ID; along with her 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
As per her wishes, a private burial will take place later this spring in Oregon where she will be laid to rest beside her son and parents.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Louise’s memory, donations may be made to Community Human Services(chservices.org), Hospice Giving Foundation. (Hospicegiving.org), Urology Care Foundation (urologyhealth.org) The Panetta Institute (thepanettainstitute.org) or a charity of your choice.
Her family wishes to thank her caregivers, the staff at Westland House and Hospice for helping to make her journey at the end a loving and peaceful one. Our sincere gratitude to you all for your incredible work and care.
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