Louise was born on August 24th, 1935 to the late Owens Ridley Caudle and Ethel Thrash Caudle. She grew up in Mountville where her family was very active in their church and community. Her father, Owens Ridley Caudle, was instrumental in bringing electricity to rural West Georgia.
Louise attended Mercer University in Macon and graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She taught school in Columbus, Georgia, Fort Wayne, IN and finished her educational career as a preschool teacher and then a paraprofessional for Dekalb County School System.
She spent the bulk of her years, working as a volunteer and leader for girl scouts and her local churches (Wesley Chapel United Methodist and Bethel United Methodist). She was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s group, sang in the choir, worked with vacation bible school, and helped with different projects and fund raisers when needed.
After the death of her husband, of 39 years, Louise picked up her life in Decatur, GA and moved to LaGrange. She quickly became an active member of LaGrange First UMC. She was, once again, a member of the United Methodist Women’s group, served on the UMW executive board as the mission coordinator for the clothing center, was a member and leader of the altar guild, sang in the choir and volunteered in the church office for 15 years.
Louise found a love for genealogy and started researching family history. At her death, she had complied 3 books about Mountville, Georgia, and cemeteries in the surrounding area along with 8 family history books. Because of her time and effort, those within her family and Mountville community will be able to pass down their rich history.
Louise enjoyed traveling with Merrymakers and attending the Thursday Luncheon club (TLC). She was always on the go and busy volunteering. She was a straight forward, strong, independent woman who lived her faith out threw her acts of kindness and service to her family, friends, and church community.
In addition to her parents, O.R. & Ethel Caudle, Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Emery S. Horvath.
She is survived by her daughters, Dianne Hodel of Georgetown, TX, Karen Freeman of LaGrange, GA; son–in–laws Alan Hodel and Charles Freeman, along with her four grandchildren; Grant E. Hodel of San Antonio, TX; LT Kirk O. Hodel, USN (currently stationed at Naval Base Yokosuka, Japan), Matthew Freeman & wife Heather of Whitesburg, Ga and Alyssa Freeman of LaGrange, GA
Visitation will take place Thursday, October 24th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary. The funeral service will be held at the LaGrange First United Methodist Church Sanctuary on Friday, October 25th at 11:00 AM. The burial to follow at Mountville Cemetery.
Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.
Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636
