Mary Louise Sowards

Mary Louise Sowards, "Louise", passed away Thursday, October 21, 2010 in the Hennis Care Centre at Dover. She was 76.

Born July 25, 1934 at Charleston, WV, she was the daughter of the late Eugene "Deb" and June Webb Kirk.

Louise was a member of the Believer's Assembly Church at Beach City. She was an incredibly positive and uplifting person, always putting the needs of others in front of her own. She had a gentle way about her and an encouraging spirit. Her smile had a way of lighting up a room and filling your heart with love. The people she was close to always felt that love, and knew too, that they were a constant focus in her prayer life.

On Christmas Day, December 25, 1956, Louise married the love of her life, Denver E. Sowards. The two shared 52 years before his death on November 27, 2009. Along with her parents and husband, a brother, Bob Kirk, preceded Louise in death.

"My family is my life," Louise had said recently. Surviving family members who will miss her dearly include: two daughters, Brenda (Dan) Boylan and Beverly (Russ) Bordner, both of Dover; a son, Todd (Barbie & family) Sowards of Sherrodsville; 3 brothers, Danny (Billie) Kirk, Roger (Faye) Kirk, and William "Buddy" (Junie) Kirk, all of West Virginia; three sisters, Kathy (Charles) Holestine, Geraldine "Sissy" (Garcie) Marker, and Imy Burgess, all of West Virginia; a sister-in-law, Rosie Kirk of West Virginia; and a granddaughter, Lacey Bordner.

Pastor W. Gene Cooper will officiate a service celebrating Louise's life on Monday, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. Following services at the grave, a fellowship meal will be held for family and friends in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center.

Friends may call in the funeral home on Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Louise by visiting the obituaries link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Believer's Assembly Church, 131 N. Church Ave., Beach City, 44608.