Louise Ethel Witt, 85, passed away peacefully in on May 15, 2022. Louise lived with her daughters Christine Witt in Willow Creek and Patricia Rose in McKinleyville. She passed away while visiting her daughters Jeanne Watkins and Elizabeth Oen in North Dakota.

Louise loved bird watching, beach combing, beating her cribbage opponents, and watching the deer, hummingbirds, and other wildlife that frequented her front lawn. She was nicknamed the “wise old owl.” She had many Facebook fans who followed her adventures at local beaches, bird watching, walks in the redwoods, Skunk Train rides and wig parties.

Louise was born to Ernest and Etta DeClusin in her family’s one- room cabin in Turtle River Township in December of 1936. From this humble start, she would grow into an amazing woman who influenced many lives.

After graduating from Bemidji High School in 1954, Louise joined the Women’s Army Corp In New York City where she met her husband, Charles H. Witt. She was proud of being a Vet and her service to her country.

Louise had four daughters: Patricia (Tommy) Rose, Jeanne (David) Watkins, Elizabeth (Norm) Oen and Christine (Mike Orr) Witt, and her step-daughter Jenny (Len) Doss; four grandchildren: Katherine Witt, Amelia (Quint Bayliss) Skunes, Rajean (Kelly) Erbar and Clark Robertson, and five great-grandchildren: Sydnie and Joslynn James, James Ricketts, Shae and Vincent Skunes-Bayliss.

Louise lived and traveled domestically and abroad until Charles retired in 1968 and settled in Bemidji, Minnesota where she continued her education at Bemidji State University. In three years she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education with a 4.0 GPA while working and raising her daughters. She taught after graduating and received an excellence in teaching award. Louise’s main passion in life was serving others. She volunteered with seniors, visually impaired persons, victims of domestic violence. Louise was generous with anyone who needed support. She loved to people watch and was known for her witty remarks about eligible bachelors.

She is survived by her brother Frank (Sharon) DeClusin, four daughters, her step-daughter, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a surprise stepson.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Ernie and Etta, her brothers Eugene and Gerald, sisters-law Marilyn, Phyllis and Arlys, Son-in-laws David Watkins and Ron Skunes, her granddaughter Katherine and her nephew Ernest.

Louise’s daughters would like to thank Kathy and Dick LaForge for all the love and support they have provided for her while living in California, as well as her many friends, family and fans, coast to coast.

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