Louise was born July 6, 1929 in Amsterdam, Virginia to Glenn and Lula Shanks, who proceeded her in death, and died May 3, 2018. Also proceeding in death were husband Jack VanBloom, sisters Arlene Shanks (14), Phyllis Lorraine, brother Donald Shanks, Green Bay, Wisconsin, son David Smith, Phoenix, Arizona.
Surviving her are granddaughter Joni Smith, Omaha, Nebraska, Corey Smith, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, brother and sister-in-law Glenn and Kathryn Shanks, Lincoln, Nebraska, sister-in-law Thelma Shanks of Seattle, Washington. Nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren.
Upon graduating high school, she attended and obtained a degree from Roanoke, Virginia Business College. She worked for Equitable Life Assurance Company in Roanoke from 1948 until the summer of 1951. During 1951 she moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to be with her family and obtained employment with Lincoln Equipment Company from 1951 until 1967, at which time she obtained employment with the Nebraska Department of Revenue, where she retired in 1994 from an executive position. In 1996, she moved to Mesa, Arizona, then returning to Lincoln, Nebraska in 2015.
Louise always pursued excellence in everything she did, whether work, home or dress. She maintained an elegant home. She was a loving grandmother, mother, daughter, sister and aunt. The family will miss her greatly.
Memorials to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10001, or www.alzfdn.org
Cremation memorial service with no viewing will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 at Wyuka Funeral Home.
I worked many years with Louise at the Nebraska Department. She always had a nice smile and encouraging words. My deepest condolences to her friends and family.
A Class Act with her charm and style. Worked with her at the NE Dept. of Revenue. I remember her fondly as she co-hosted a wedding shower for me back in 93 at the Nebraska Club. Her smile lit up every room and she had a fun attitude which reminded me of my mother. Blessings. Rest in Peace Louise.
So sorry to hear of Louise’s passing. She was my cousin and we kept in touch after she left Virginia. I was named after her.