Louise Bartlow

Louise Bartlow

January 9, 1931 - June 9, 2015

Louise was the third, of 9 children, born at home, on the family farm in McIntosh Co., Oklahoma to Jerome and Ora Lawson. There were 5 girls and 4 boys, stair step, and they were all very close their entire lives and still chatted on the phone weekly. Only 2 girls remain in the Lawson clan.

Physically hard work on a 180 acre farm, where they raised cotton, alfalfa and corn, and had cows, chickens and pigs, led to a life -long strong work ethic. This contributed to her success and career as a grocery checker for Safeway Markets, eventually promoting to Bread Stock Girl. She worked at Safeway for 29 years, before retiring in 1980. She was not one to sit around, so she joined Weight Watchers as a clerk and Volunteered at LB Memorial Hospital for over 30 years.

Louise came to California in 1948, following her brother Benny here to the land of plenty. She first lived in Bakersfield, but eventually moved to Long Beach, where she remained for the rest of her life. Marrying the love of her life (Justin) and raising her children (Dolores and Beverly).

Justin and Louise loved to travel, cruised several times, traveled to China and took many motor home adventures, including to their favorite spot, Silent Valley.

Louise was always a wonderful cook – desserts, cheesecake and pies being her much sought after contributions at every event. She loved to work in the kitchen and was a virtual 'elf' at holiday time, providing everyone with fudge, peanut brittle and popcorn cake. She was also an excellent seamstress and was often found at her sewing machine mending. altering or helping create projects her kids and grandkids came up with.

Exercise and good nutrition were a way of life for Louise. She belonged to several gyms over the years, enjoyed a walking group and water aerobics classes and was very determined to go almost daily.

Louise was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church for many years and participated in the Alter Guild, preparing the church for Sunday services and decorating for the holidays.

One of her greatest hobbies was coupon clipping. She would seek out the coupons in the newspaper and as our dad always said "she would drive miles to save a dollar". But she was so proud of the savings and bargains she always found. The last gift she gave us was a $500 Forest Lawn Coupon we found on her dresser….she would be very proud to know we used it in her honor.

Louise will be missed by many. She was very loved by her husband, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A void will definitely be felt in our hearts forever.

Husband- Justin

Children- Dolores (Mike), Beverly, Kathy (Mike)

Grandchildren- Jeremy (Cheryl), Katie, Brianna, Brandon, Steven, Justine (Edward)

Great-Grandchildren- Jordyn (5) and Brody (4)

Sisters- Audrey Jacobs and Lula Storm (Kelly)