FRANKLIN
Ilena Louise Limp, 96, of Franklin, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023.
Louise was born on March 2, 1927, in Trafalgar, Indiana, to Ream and Pansy (Green) Ferris. Louise married Gene Limp on January 6, 1946. He preceded her in passing on April 28, 2012. She is survived by daughter, Janet Stevens (Mike); son-in-law Jim Hensley; grandchildren, Amy Paszek (Joe), Andy Hensley (Jenny), Michael Stevens (Kathleen), Jim Stevens (Jen), Mark Hensley (Mary Beth) and Ryan Stevens; great grandchildren, Max, Olivia, Grace, Alyssa, Nick, Luke, Hannah, Jarett, Avery, Hillari, Sophia, Jack, Colin, Olivia and Hayes. She was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Gene; daughter, Linda Limp Hensley, and siblings, Aldwin Ferris and Kathleen Soltis.
Louise attended Union Township Schools and was a 1945 graduate of Franklin High School.
She began her career working for the telephone company as a switchboard operator during WWII and was later employed by Camp Atterbury in payroll disbursing. She worked for Limp Electric for many years doing the bookkeeping, accounting and typing contracts.
Louise was a member of Grace Assembly of God. She was a member of Hillview Country Club. Louise and Gene enjoyed attending the Indianapolis 500 every year. They also took dancing lessons at Arthur Murray Studios and would enjoy going dancing at the Indiana Roof Ballroom and other venues. She enjoyed shopping and traveling. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and dogs.
Louise led a beautifully charmed and blessed life and was always on the go doing something. She grew up in Trafalgar in farm country. Since her siblings were much older than her, her closest companions during that time included her dog, Friskie -an American spitz, and two cats, Mutt and Jeff. One of the funniest stories shared about her early years was when her dog rode all the way into Franklin on their car’s running board. The family hadn’t known that Friskie had jumped up onto the running board before they pulled out of their driveway! When they got to town to go to the movies, Friskie jumped off. Well, they had no choice but to put the longhaired pooch locked up in the car. Her dad was NOT pleased, as Friskie had long white hair and the car had mohair seats!! Later, she moved with her family to Franklin and they lived on Yandes Street, where she met her best friend, Jane. They did everything together, including walking to Franklin High School. Louise met her future husband Gene in Franklin. Gene was a sacker at Kroger’s, which was located right downtown on Jefferson Street. Back then, the streets were flooded with people. Only went to town on Saturdays. It was a wonderful time. It was there that Louise and Gene met. She always said that it was love at first sight. During WWII, Gene was in the Navy and was a signalman. He served in the South Pacific during the war. While away at war, Gene had his father, John Limp, give Louise an engagement ring. Of course, she accepted! Louise and Gene were married upon his return to the States and they began their married life together living in Sausalito, CA, where Gene was stationed. Gene and Louise were always together and were blessed with 66 years of marriage. Wherever he was, there she’d be.
Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, Louise and Gene moved back to Indiana and lived in Greenwood on Home Avenue. Their first daughter, Linda, was born in 1947. A few years later, they sold their Greenwood home and built their home on 144 in Franklin. It was finished just a week before their second daughter, Janet, was born in 1950. The whole family loved that home, although not all the times were pleasant ones, as Linda had Rheumatic Fever twice while living there. She was lovingly cared for by Louise during her prolonged months of illness. She’d play games and cards with Linda to pass the time, being in bed for a long time. And, the little Pekingese, Happy, was a constant companion for Linda. Louise was able to juggle many things at once, as she also worked diligently typing invoices and contracts for Gene’s electrical business, Limp Electric.
Louise and Gene’s second love was living in Sarasota, Florida, where they lived for 20 years. They loved walking the beach, looking for seashells and entertaining family and friends. While living there, they so enjoyed coming back for visits to Franklin to see Amy’s (granddaughter) high school volleyball tournaments! They did a lot with the family, taking them on many trips. A vacation Louise was particularly fond of recalling was when, in 1998, Louise and Gene visited California with their daughter Janet and her husband Mike…they all had a marvelous time!! They re-visited where Gene had been stationed after the war and saw many other wonderful sights. Her life was filled with many, many, happy times.
Much later in life, Gene was diagnosed with the terrible disease Alzheimer’s…a cruel disease which robbed him of many of his wonderful memories. Louise did an extraordinary job of taking loving care of him during that incredibly challenging time. There are Saints that walk this earth. We all knew she was one of them. She’s seen so much happiness and so much sorrow. She was a strong woman. She kept on going with faith and guidance. There’s a special place in Heaven for her. So, to one of God’s princesses, Louise: Your quiver is full. What a full life. Thank you Mom/Grandma…you were an example of love, devotion and kindness for us all…we love and appreciate you so much!!
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, Indiana. All friends and family are welcome to attend the service. Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Expressions of caring and kindness may be received to the family at www.flinnmaguire.net
