Elouise Schmeltz Loonam
1921-2018
Leaving mortal life on her terms Elouise Schmeltz Loonam, age 96 ½, avoided Houston Hospice and spared Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day by dying on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Beginning, living, and ending her earthly journey in Houston, Elouise came full circle in her beloved hometown, all of it near the banks of Brays Bayou where her ancestors settled. She was both a Houstonian and Texan through and through.
Born to Henry and Adele Kuhlmann Schmeltz on July 18, 1921, Elouise became first-born daughter, older sister, cousin, friend, student, church member, teacher, wife, mother, aunt, godmother, school room mother, Girl Scout leader, camp counselor, camp director, board member, mother-in-law, manager, grandmother, great grandmother. And none of these rolls were filled with any less than strong commitment and dedication to serving. She exemplified. "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well." Friendships were for life. Hospitality was a given. Elouise's language of love surely was acts of service.
Elouise did not shy from challenges. She attended Rice Institute and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Graduating in 1943 she moved on the University of Houston to earn her teaching certificate. When no high school positions were available in Houston, she chose to be an elementary teacher at Melinda Bonner Elementary School in Meadowbrook. She chose Edward Lawrence (Larry) Loonam to be her husband in 1948 and together began a journey of ecumenical enlightenment for her German Protestant family as well as his Irish Catholic family. She committed to raising their children as Catholics while maintaining her church and faith. In the 1980's Elouise accepted the challenge of returning to the work force to manage The Pinemont Apartments, a non-profit community conceived and established by St. Giles Presbyterian Church and Presbytery of New Covenant in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).
96 years, all active, brought many into and out of Elouise's life. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband EL (Larry), sister Doris Ward, first cousins who were like siblings, and several friends who were as close as family. She is survived by her four children; Timothy, Linda (Randall Ladnier), Charles (Marie), Peter (Anna), seven amazing grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Church, family and friendship guided Elouise throughout her life.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet. A Service of Thanksgiving followed by a luncheon reception will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 26, 2018 at Grace United Church of Christ, 8515 Brookwulf Drive, Houston. Graveside remembrances will start at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale, Houston.
In lieu of flowers, Elouise's family asks you consider a memorial donation to Slumber Falls Camp and Retreat Center in New Braunfels, Texas, Grace United Church of Christ in Houston, Texas, or a that embodies her spirit of service.