Born in Marshalltown on January 11, 1937, to parents Preston and Marcia (Beecher) Cockerham, she was brought home to the family farm east of Union. The family was joined 5 years later by sister Helen Mae after a move to a farm southwest of Union.

Louise graduated as salutatorian from Union High School in 1954, where she participated in band (playing the clarinet) and chorus. Throughout her childhood, she enjoyed 4-H projects and being a part of the Union Community Church. Following high school graduation, Louise attended Iowa State Teachers College, earning an associate’s degree in teaching in 1956. She then moved to Blairstown, Iowa, where she taught kindergarten for three years.

In August 1959, Louise married Merril Cobb and moved to the Eldora area where she taught kindergarten for four years before fully embracing her role of mother, homemaker and farm wife. After Merril’s unexpected passing in 1981, Louise took full responsibility for the family’s farming operations while also taking great pride in her flower gardens and well-kept Century Farm.

In addition to her farming responsibilities, Louise was active in public service, serving as president of the Union-Whitten Community School Board for several years. She later contributed to the AEA district 6 board of education, the Hardin County Zoning Board and the BCLUW Foundation Board.

Louise loved her church family and was proud to serve as the Eldora United Methodist Church’s mission chair for many years. She also sang in the church choir, was an active member of United Methodist Women and served on many different committees and boards through the years. Additionally, she cherished her fellowship with her EWOW Bible study sisters.

Never one to miss a social opportunity, Louise participated in several bridge groups, Tryst Club, P.E.O. (50+ year member), Monday Club and Cecilians, as well as Whistlestop Players in Conrad. She enjoyed travels to Brazil, Ireland, Israel, much of Europe (including attending the Passion Play in Germany) and various destinations across the United States.

Louise is survived by her children: Jay, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Joylyn, of Webster City, Iowa; and Craig, of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Helen Juber, of Urbandale, Iowa; her niece Carolyn Cobb (Randy) and sons John (Alli), Joshua, Jacob and Justin; her nephews David Cobb and daughter Maddison Begley (Josiah) and son Adam (Jocelyn) and Kevin Juber (Haley) and daughters Kollyns and Emery.

In death, Louise has been reunited with her husband, her parents and her brothers and sister-in-law Paul Juber, Carrol Cobb and Shirley Cobb and great-nephew Joseph Paulaitis.

Louise’s family wishes to thank her Hospice Care Team of Heidi, Micah and Colleen for their care during the past year, as well as the staff of Southfield Wellness Community.