Addie Louise Adams

Addie Louise Adams, 95, of Greeley, passed away June 29, 2010 at GrayCara Assisted Living in Evans. She was born to Addie (Ricketts) and Peter Christian Todee in Dallas, Texas on September 17, 1914. At the age of 3 years, her father died after a kidney stone operation, leaving her mother to raise four children without the benefit of government assistance or local charity. Hard times during childhood did not deprive Louise of her love for dancing, singing and laughter. She could sing, word-for-word, every song popularized by radio during the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. After graduating from North Dallas High, Louise worked as a bookkeeper for Fulton Bag Company of Dallas. On New Year’s Day 1945, she married Lowell Adams, an Army aviator. After his discharge, Lowell brought his bride home to Greeley, where Louise intrepidly adapted to the vigors of farm life and belonging to a large clan of new relatives. Besides their two children, she raised an assortment of orphaned kittens, lambs, piglets and calves. Animals were always included in Louise’s circle of love. Her home was one of comfort and contentment where many delicious meals were enjoyed. One of her most memorable experiences was being caught in the Blizzard of 1949. She relates a miracle tale of survival on Highway 85 and of being stranded by 12 foot drifts at the old Rockport restaurant and gas station. Ever afterward, she considered every snow storm a potential “Blizzard of ’49!” After Lowell’s death in 1993, Louise continued living at home, remaining active there until the age of 94. Her favorite activities were bowling with friends, playing Chinese checkers, Bridge and other card games, reading mysteries and solving crossword puzzles. She and granddaughter Clara delighted in each other’s company; the two shared a very special bond. Louise was truly an honor roll member of the Greatest Generation. She epitomized all the attributes of that unexcelled body of Americans. Her humor, warmth, and old fashioned sense will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her son Kenneth and wife Roni of Greeley, daughter Linda and husband Michael of Greeley, grandchildren Chant McClure, Lynnette Adams and Clara Addie McKee, 3 great-grandchildren, her 17 year old cat Katie, and numerous nieces and nephews residing in Colorado, Idaho and Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother of Dallas, husband Lowell, in-laws Ernie Cox, Warren and Peggy Adams and June and Tommy Hancock. As per Louise’s instruction, there will be no funeral service. Interment service 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 7 at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Greeley. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Salvation Army or any animal rescue shelter of choice in care of Allnutt, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631.