Louise Sell

Maude Louise Sell, born on December 3, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri, was a remarkable woman whose life touched the hearts of many. She peacefully passed away on September 13, 2024, surrounded by her family and the familiar comforts of her home in Aumsville.

Louise was the daughter of Clarence and Ruth Ham and her brother, Jack, joined the family a couple years later. Louise and Jack's early years were spent in Kansas City until they moved to Los Angeles, California, when she was a young teen after her mother married Rodney Allen. Her sister, Susan, joined the family while they all lived in Washington during the war. But it was in LA that Louise met and married the love of her life, Francis Bottoroff. Louise and Frankie, had two sons, Michael Alan and Patrick Francis Bottoroff. But like so many who fought in WWII, Frankie did not return home from Europe to the wife and family who loved him.

In December 1949 Louise married Kenneth Miller and they settled in Colton, California, where their daughter Carole was born and their son, Frank Wayne Miller started school. After that marriage ended she met Edward Sell, a fellow parishioner at her church. On July 14, 1964, they exchanged vows in a patio wedding at the home where they lived until moving to Oregon in 1972. In 1979 Louise and Ed bought a five-acre parcel in Aumsville where Ed built the two-story house that they lived in to the end of their days. And she would proudly share with you that they did it all without ever getting a loan against the property.

Louise’s son Michael gave her grandsons, Mark, Matthew, Troy, and Trent, and Patrick's son was Ronald Lee Bottoroff. Her Son Frank gave her granddaughters, Brenda,Tammy, Susan, Kimberly, and Amanda Miller, and her daughter blessed her with grandson, Timothy Patrick, and granddaughter, Louise Regina. Her joy was multiplied when Regina and her husband, Karl Holley, added great-grandsons Kristopher Alan, Zachary Dylan, and Jonathan Tyler to her family legacy.

Until 1960 Louise spent her life caring for her family and her home, cooking, cleaning, sewing, decorating, canning, and gardening. A friend once called her a "professional mother" because her skills and talents were so vast. When her 'nest' was empty she transitioned from being a dedicated homemaker to Home Health Aide until she retired. Her caring touch brought comfort to those in need, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched.

A devoted member of the United Church of God, Louise found solace and purpose in her faith. But her talents extended beyond prayer and devotion. She was an avid crafter, spending countless hours crocheting, embroidering, and creating beautiful handmade quilts. Her gardens flourished under her care, yielding beautiful flowers and bountiful harvests that she lovingly preserved through canning.

Louise is survived by her brother, Jack Ham, his children Gene, Jim, Jerry, Lisa, and Lori, their children and grandchildren, her Sister Sasan Allen Kirtland and her children, Tracey, Troy, and Todd and their children, granddaughters Tammy, Susan, Kimberly, and Amanda and their children, her daughter Carole and granddaughter Regina and Regina’s sons, Kristopher, Zachary, and Jonathan. Louise was preceded in death by her husbands, her three sons, Michael, Patrick, and Frank, her grandsons Ronny and Timm, and her granddaughter Brenda. Their spirits now rest alongside hers, and their memories intertwine in the tapestry of her life.

Louise Sell was more than a name; she was a beacon of love, resilience, and kindness. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate the fullness of her life—a long life well-lived.