Obituary of Louise Voss

Ruby Louise Mitchell Voss, aged 94, went to join her husband L.L. who was waiting for her in heaven with a dozen red roses for Mother’s Day. She was born on December 17, 1918 in Perryville, Arkansas to Bill and Agnes Mitchell. In 1937, her whole family including her three brothers G.H., (Bud), Aaron (Tommy) and Myron (Packy) moved to Mahoney. Here she caught the eye of dashing horseman who would jump her front yard fence on his white horse, Silver, to impress her. They began their 59-year marriage August 14, 1938 at 12:01a.m. because they didn’t want the bad luck of getting married on Friday the 13th. Their cute little baby boy Jerry Don was born five years later. Then they were blessed with a cute little baby girl Jackie LaRea. L.L. served in World War II in the Army Air Corps and all Louise’s brothers served honorably as well. L.L. lived and farmed land that was homesteaded in Mahoney in 1857 by his great-great grandfather, Eli. After three consecutive seasons of crops lost to floods, they moved to Dallas where L.L. took a job at Dallas Power and Light, and Louise owned her own beauty shop. In 1982, L.L. retired and they returned home to Sulphur Springs and became dedicated members of Wesley United Methodist Church. Being back in Hopkins County made it easy for L.L. to continue his role as the master of ceremonies for 39 years at the Mahoney Homecoming, an annual event started by Lucille Jordan and Louise. Louise won Best Personality, Best Life Philosophy, and 1st Runner Up in the 2012 Ms. Hopkins County Senior Pageant and could be seen regularly cutting a rug at the HC Foundation Lights of Life Gala. She loved to light up Terrific Tuesday with her smile and her wit. Some of the many people who loved and already miss Mom/MeMa/Louise: Her daughter and primary caregiver, Jackie Voss Thornton and her son, Jerry Don Voss and his wife, Kati Voss; her grandchildren and their spouses, Jenice and Adam Dunayer, Jaeson and Renee Thornton, Tanya Voss, Randal and Pam Voss, and Eric and Amy Voss; as well as her 10 special great-grandchildren. Her brothers, G.H. (Bud) and Myron (Packy) miss her, too. Her brother Aaron (Tommy) preceded her in death as did her sister-in-laws Eunice, Flo and Mary. Louise’s life philosophy was to live by the Golden Rule, to be content no matter what and to make a difference in someone’s life every day. If asked, she was quick to tell you she was fat and sassy. Mom, MeMa, Louise – we love you and we miss you.