Luana was preceded in death by her parents Hudson and Adina Hale and her daughter Kelly Ladd Smith.
Luana is survived by her husband, Charles Ladd, her sister Sharon Weirs, and her daughters Shannon and her husband Scott Swinehart, Shelley and her husband Raymond Boykin, and Kelly's husband John Smith. Luana has four grand children, Jennifer Boykin Elmore, Joshua Swinehart, Whitney Boykin Chance, and Taylor Smith. In addition, Luana's legacy continues through six great grand daughters, Maribel Chance, Lariah Chance, Laycie Chance, Dallas Chance, Brooklynne Chance, and Cali Chance.
Luana was born to Hudson and Adina Hale in San Pedro, CA on September 5, 1935. Luana was named after the lead character in the movie – The Bird of Paradise (made in Hawaii). She lived in Belmont Shores for several years with her sister Sharon joining the family in 1939. After that the family moved to Santa Ana for a short time and then to Long Beach in 1944. Luana attended 1st Brethren church in Long Beach (5th and Cherry) from early childhood and was baptized in 1943.
At the age of 15 (1950), Luana and her family moved to Pauls Valley, OK. She attended Pauls Valley High School and met Chuck her first year there. They started dating in 1951 and continued until they became engaged at Christmas in 1953.
While in Pauls Valley, Luana was active in the drama club at the high school and performed in several plays. Luana and her sister Sharon were known for their pantomimes of songs from various musicals. They performed at school talent shows and for the Pauls Valley Rotary Club.
Luana graduated from Pauls Valley High School in 1953 and headed off to University of Oklahoma on a full ride academic scholarship. After a year at University of Oklahoma she moved back to Long Beach, rejoining her family. On September 4, 1954 Luana and Chuck where married at 1st Brethren church in Long Beach. They settled in Bellflower and then moved to Long Beach where their first daughter Shannon was born in August of 1955. Luana and Chuck then moved to Garden Grove where they bought their first house and second daughter, Shelley, came along in July of 1958. Three years later in May of 1961 their third daughter, Kelly was born.
Luana, Chuck and daughters moved to Cypress in 1966 and this would be her last move. In 1970, Luana decided to return to college at Long Beach State to get her degree and teaching credential. After graduation she started teaching home economics at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove. She continued teaching until her retirement in 1986.
After retirement, Luana and Chuck enjoyed traveling the world. They visited England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Israel, and Tahiti plus others. Their favorite trips were to Hawaii, which they visited often.
Luana has been an active church member and Bible practicing Christian her entire life. She was active in children’s ministry, women’s ministry, church planting and participated in mission trips.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18