Louise Edmondson Wells, 94, died Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Like many women of her generation, the titles of daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother and great-grandmother were the ones that had the greatest influence on the long life of the girl born Alice Louise Edmondson on November 2, 1930.  She was the fourth of seven children born to William Norris and Mary Hazel Coulter Edmondson on their farm in Sinai, Kentucky in Anderson County.  The family eventually settled on a tobacco and dairy farm in Spencer County, KY.

In these settings Louise learned the hard work and frugality of farm life as well as the importance of a school and  church community.  Louise enjoyed telling of her early attendance at Little Union School, a one-room school house, as well as her baptism in Simpson Creek as a member of Little Union Baptist Church.  She attended Taylorsville High School and soon thereafter married Edward Stokes in 1948.  They raised four children on a small farm in Fern Creek, Jefferson County, KY.

The full extent of the title homemaker applied to Louise.  Her home was always tidy and clean, her annual vegetable garden productive, and her meal time tables abundant.  She was a wonderful cook preparing some of the best comfort food from her vast array of well-read cookbooks; and no one ever left a meal hungry.

Louise was a life coach for her children; encouraging them to pursue every opportunity, to be the best they could be, and to reach for their goals and dreams. She instilled them with integrity and a can-do attitude which later extended to her grandchildren who are loving adults, who work hard and contribute to the world around them. Louise was also proud to say she was a great-grandmother of six.

Her care beyond the family was most evident by the 30+ years she spent delivering meals each week to homebound people as part of Meals on Wheels.  These meals and her friendly greetings brightened the day for each person who received them.  She was also a member of Beulah Presbyterian Church for more than 70 years serving in various capacities over these many years.

Louise married Alton Wells in 1986 and she shared a love of the outdoors with him.  They took a long driving trip to Alaska, several to Nebraska, and many to southeastern US states.  Louise also adventured to Japan, Singapore and Paris even as an older adult.

Louise was predeceased by her parents, siblings and husbands, and is survived by her children: Ed Stokes (Cheryl), Bill Stokes (Nancy), Tom Stokes (Sheryl) and Beth Shaheen (Mitch); six grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Her services are private, with burial in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, KY.