Submitted by: Dan Rich

Louise Hester Smoot

Nov. 14, 1921 - Feb. 20, 2008

South Bend Tribune 2/22/2008
SOUTH BEND - Louise Hester Smoot, 86, passed away at 9:25 p.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2008, in Saint Paul's Retirement Community, South Bend, IN. Born to Fern A. (Burkert) and Willis A. Bronsing on November 14, 1921, in Saint Louis, MO. Her family moved to South Bend from Tilton, IL in 1924. Louise attended elementary school in South Bend and graduated from Riley High School in 1939.

As Louise Bronsing, she married James W. Hester on September 30, 1944, in Michigan City, IN. He preceded her in death July 16, 1966. A son, James W. Hester preceded her in death in 2004 and two brothers, Edward L. Bronsing in 1976 and Leo E. Bronsing in 1998. Mrs. Smoot is survived by two daughters, Patricia Collins of Tucson, AZ, and Sandra (Larry) Stephens of Decatur, AL. Her 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren were the joy of her life. Her sister-in-law, Peggy Bronsing of South Bend also survives her. Louise retired from Travelers Insurance Company in December 1981. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star #479 of Lakeville, IN and past member of the Mishawaka Business and Professional Women's Association. She was a member of South Side Baptist Church. Her love and joy of walking with her Lord was first in her life.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. today, Friday, February 22, 2008 in the chapel at Saint Paul's Retirement Community, 3602 S. Ironwood, South Bend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the South Side Baptist Church, 1130 Jackson Road, South Bend, IN 46614. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is handling the arrangements.