Virginia Louise Little

Virginia “Louise” Long Little, 96, of Springfield, died on November 1, 2011, at the Villa Health Care East in Sherman, IL. She was born on October 14, 1915, to Charles A. and Cecil South Long in Boone County, Missouri. She married Dick Charles Little on September 14, 1933 and he preceded her in death in December 1987. Besides her father, mother, and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Charles Lee Long.

Often known as a “social butterfly,” Louise devoted her life to serving others and was very active in numerous community, service and church organizations. She was long time member and served in many offices in Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, Daughters of the Nile, Ansarettes, and White (Jeptha) Shrine. For over 10 years she served as Grand Treasurer Emeritus for Order of the Amaranth. She volunteered at the UIS Sangamon Auditorium and Red Cross. She also held membership and offices in the Springfield Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She had a long career at the First National Bank (now U.S. Bank) in Springfield, retiring in 1980 as the secretary to the vice president.

As a member of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, Louise was active in United Methodist Women and served as district treasurer for a number of years also.

Louise loved to travel and had visited every state in the U.S. and a number of foreign countries, including Canada, Mexico, Israel, Egypt and Australia. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and loved the outdoors, gardening, camping and being with her family – especially her grandchildren. Her family treasured her dedicated, compassionate help when any family member needed support or needed someone to talk with. Family and friends will greatly miss her.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Carl) Bush of Minooka, IL, and son, Dick (Karen) Little, Pleasant Plains, IL, 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson, sister, Lucille Sims of Warsaw, Missouri, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family of Louise Little is being served by Bisch and Son Funeral Home West, 2931 South Koke Mill Road, Springfield, with visitation scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Services will begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2011, at the funeral home with Pastor Julia Melgreen officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in memory of Virginia Louise Little to the USO, P.O. Box 96322, Washington, D.C. 20090-6322.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family