Mae Louise Chester

She was born October 21, 1924 to Henry Ambrose Knoles and Millie Crumley Knoles in Sanora, Arkansas. She was a triplet, the only one to survive, and that’s what made her so strong. She grew up in Arkansas and met her soon to be husband, Howard Chester, Jr., at a local roller rink when he asked her to skate with him. They married on November 6, 1943 during WW II, while he was training to be a pilot for the American occupation after the war ended. After that, they were stationed in England, where Howard was killed. Louise was unaware that she was pregnant with their son, Howard, at the time and she moved back to Arkansas to be with her family.

Louise and her parents moved to Santa Monica, California. Knowing she was going to have to raise her son alone, Louise put herself through secretary school and landed a job with Douglas Aircraft, which became Boeing. She worked there for more than 20 years until she retired in 1981. Louise and her son, Howard, lived in an apartment complex, which Louise managed so they could get free rent. She was always working, taking care of everyone, especially her son. Louise’s motto was “Work, Eat and Sleep”, including helping her ailing parents and her siblings in their older years until their deaths. She is preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her parents, all of her siblings, Irene Knoles Stein, Luetta Knoles Santos, Esta Lee Knoles Fields, Ernest Knoles and Clarence Knoles.

Louise moved to Salt Lake City in 2010 to be with her son, Howard, and his family when she finally needed help herself. Louise eventually moved to St. Joseph’s Villa, where she lived until she passed away. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at St. Joseph Villa for their devotion, compassion and professionalism throughout Mom’s stay there, and especially the last few weeks.

She leaves behind her son, Howard, her granddaughters Sarah and Carrie, her grandson Trevor and great granddaughters Ella and Harlow and great grandson Andrew.

Louise will be missed for her constant kindness, smile and upbeat attitude. She called everyone “Honey” and meant it. She had a love of nature and was always taking pictures of flowers, especially roses, which were her favorite. She loved the ocean so much and would walk the beach every day when she retired. We know she’s doing that right now with my dad.

Please join the family in a celebration of Louise’s life at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Friends may visit prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 pm.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Alzheimer’s Association towards finding a cure for this disease that robs a person and their family of important time together.