Louise (Marshall) Stephan

Louise Stephan, age 90, passed away Thursday, December 10 in Salem.

Louise was born on December 16, 1929.  The first child of the fifth generation of her family.  During high school, she was a member of the band and chorus and through the years provided dinner music for the Campbellsburg Alumni Banquets.

Louise devoted her life to Christ in 1941 at Mt. Carmel Christian Church north of Campbellsburg, Indiana and served Mt. Carmel by playing the piano and teaching Sunday School.  After marrying Charles Stephan, she transferred her membership to Little York Methodist Church where she continued to serve the Lord by playing the piano and directing cantatas until they moved in 1969.  In 1970 she transferred her membership to New Hope Methodist Church where she served as church pianist, organist, and choir director.

In 1950 she married Charles Stephan.  Charles passed away in 1989.

Louise worked with Washington County 4-H Clubs for 19 years and then taught Head Start at Campbellsburg.  Later Louise taught music at West Washington Elementary along with directing he Red, White, and Blue children.   She loved spending time in her greenhouse, enjoying her beds of hybrid Irises, and her cows and cats.  At one time she raised and sold registered Cocker Spaniels.

She drove a school bus for Gibson Township, Salem Community Schools, and West Washington School Corporation.

In 1969, she and Charles moved to the Cornwell Home place which had been in Louise’s family for more than 100 years.  At one time it was a town consisting of 26 lots.   Louise and Charles were recognized by the stare of Indiana and received the Homestead Award.  She was affectionately called “The Mayor of Mt. Carmel” and had a plaque to prove it.

She served on the election board, belonged to the Order of Eastern Star serving various offices at Little York and Campbellsburg.  Louise was installed as Indiana Grand Organist in 1984-85 and 1985-86.  She received her 50 year pin from the O.E.S. and helped Campbellsburg Order of Eastern Star celebrate 100 years.  Twice she was selected Grand Marshall of the Campbellsburg Hoe Down Parade.  Louise was also awarded “Partners in Education” for her dedication to teaching.

Louise received The Phenomenal Woman Award which recognizes women who have made significant contributions to their community in the areas of business, education, philanthropy and religion.

Anyone who ever met Louise knew she loved life and lived each day to its fullest.  Louise had the caring heart of a mother and has taught, encouraged, and sacrificed to make the way easier for others.  She has nurtured the young and reached out to others in need… She has made such a difference  one life at a time, with her kind and unselfish deeds.  She never asks for praise but has done her part with a compassionate and loving heart.  Never having children of her own, she has had an immeasurable influence on children throughout Washington County not only as a role of educator by being a Christian example.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband Charles, her parents, and grandparents.  She is survived by a brother:  Marvin Marshall and wife, Mingon of Campbellsburg and a sister:  Mary Alice Morris and her husband, Ernie of Salem, Indiana.  She is also survived by two nieces:  Marsha Myers (Danny) and LaDonna Martin (Mike) as well as two nephews:  Mark Marshall (Stacy) and Jon Morris.  Louise is also survived by great nieces:  Lesley Armour, Evalyn Louise and Laura Mae Martin, great nephews:  Darrell Myers and Eric Marshall.  Louise also has one great great nephew:  Nixon Armour.  She also leaves a host of friends and former students.

Due to Covid-19, there will not be any visitation, only private services.  However, the services will be available Monday at 11AM and anytime after on Weathers Funeral Home Facebook page.  Services will be conducted by Brother Jeff Weinsheimer.  Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Campbellsburg.

Pall Bearers will be Mark Marshall, Eric Marshall, Jon Morris, Ross St. Clair, Randy and Rick Roberts.

Memorial gifts may be made to:  Mt. Carmel Cemetery, c/o John Hughes, 915 N. College Ave.  Salem, Indiana 47167 or New Hope Methodist Church, 4957 W. State Rd. 60 Salem, Indiana 47167.