Obituary
Guest Book
1925
2013
Louise Mellette VanPraagh, 87, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 26, 2013. She was born May 20, 1925 in Davidson Co, NC to the late Peter and Ruby Fraylick Mellette.
She moved from Gastonia to Agape Assisted Living in Rock Hill two years ago where she adjusted quickly to her new home because of the love and care of the staff and residents. She was known for her warm smile, sense of humor and great hugs. The family greatly appreciates everything the staff did to care for her until her last hour. Until the dementia set in, she was a vital, active, engaged and healthy person. She read 1-3 books a week (no reading glasses) and could argue politics with the best of them. In addition to her children and grandchildren, her other love was her flowers and her yard which was a showplace. Professionally, she was the Executive Director of the Gaston County Cancer Society and worked hard in anti-smoking campaigns, especially in the schools. The past few years, she might not remember from day to day but was always lovable in the moment.
In her younger years, she was a member of Extension Homemaker of NC, catered parties and church and civic dinners. She was a regular chaperone for the Gaston County 4-H'ers during summer camp and a Red Cross coordinator for Mt. Holly for many years.
Louise loved and was loved by everyone she met. And will be remembered by her family and friends with many happy stories and memories.
Louise is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Weikle and husband, Roger of Rock Hill, SC and Janie Cole and husband, Mike of Durham, NC; three granddaughters, Claire Weikle, Amanda Cole and Anna Cole.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 30 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1915 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1915 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054 or Agape Senior Foundation, 1053 Center St, West Columbia, SC 29169.
Online condolences may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com
Carothers Funeral Home, Gastonia is serving the VanPraagh family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 22, 2021
Heather Nigbor
It is hard to believe it has been so long. I still remember taking my kids to see Ms. VanPraag. They loved going and still remember feeding her Koi. She had the biggest smile and always some chocolates.
March 22, 2019
Friend
Jane Rhodes
When I see a beautiful yard I think about her and how much she loved showing off her lovely yard .
Remember the Halloween parties in the basement? So many fun (good) memories
WhenI was going through my divorce (1980 small town Mt Holly) she was sooooo supportive of me. Wonderful, loving, and kind ......A good friend
April 2, 2013
Janice Dulaney
My daughter Ally and I visited often with Miss Louise at Agape. She always had a special hug for Ally. We will miss her tremendously.
March 30, 2013
Heather Nigbor
The obituary is beautifully written. My three children and I would visit Mrs. VanPraagh at her home in Gastonia. She was so kind to allow them to feed her fish. They would beg me to go for a visit. Most 2 & 4 year olds would rather go to a park, mine wanted to go visit Mrs. VanPraagh. They loved going to her home and still ask about her, especially when we pass her house. We will continue to miss her.
March 30, 2013
I am a Hospice volunteer at Agape Assisted Living and would see Louise each week as I walked back to the wing where my patients lived. She was always so pleasant and I looked forward to seeing her. I was shocked to learn that she had had a stroke. I did see her this past Tuesday in the wing next to the one I visit and it broke my heart to see her unresponsive. I was not surprised to read in the paper that she had died on Tuesday. Though you will miss her very much, you must feel that it was a blessing that she did not have to linger in that condition. I will keep you in my prayers.
Connie Setzler, Rock Hill
March 29, 2013
Angie SURBECK
What a precious friend....always such a bright spot in my life when I walked up the street to visit. I miss her & still feel that she's watching from that kitchen window when I walk by. Love & prayers to the family.
March 29, 2013
Janie- Thinking of you and your sister at this time. So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of you. Edna Cole and Donna & Bob Hunter
March 29, 2013
Donna & David Sigman
What a precious soul - so glad our paths crossed and for the year-and-a-half we were able to know her; for the times we shared during our visits to Agape to see our mother. We will miss her!
March 29, 2013
Thinking of the family with warm memories of Louise. Louise and I shared many common interests, especially flowers, enjoying each others company at the time. She has a very special place in my heart Deepest sympathy to the family Jane Springs Rhodes
March 28, 2013
I really enjoyed know Ms. Louise at Agape... she was a good buddy to my friend, Ms. Edith.... I was so sad when she had a stroke and had to move to the other building... Ms. Edith and I visited her, but Ms. Louise was unable to put what she wanted to say into words. I am glad that NOW Ms. Louise has her voice and her sense of humor back in her well-deserved home in Heaven. You were such a sweetheart, Louise! Sherilyn B (Rock Hill)
March 28, 2013
Dear Louise,
You brought so much sunshine into the lives of people who knew you. I will always remember how much happiness you brought to Joe. You were so good to him. How proud you were of your daughters. Rest in peace, dear lady. Sondra and Chuck Katzenstein
March 28, 2013
Such a very special lady...she always brightened up our day. Doug and Lou Anne Harris, Gastonia, N.c.
March 28, 2013
Suzette LaPorte-Killian
I always loved Louise's beautiful smile! What a WONDERFUL soul! She will be missed but never forgotten and always having a special place in my heart.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Funeral services provided by:
Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054
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