Aileen LaRaut Loomis

Jan. 1, 1921 - May 3, 2012

Aileen LaRaut Loomis was born in Brockway Oregon on January 1, 1921 to Vernon and Vilia LaRaut. She was the second of six children. Aileen's early years were spent in the Roseburg area, where she graduated from Wilbur High School. Aileen attended Willamette University from which she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963.

In June of 1942 Aileen married Ralph Loomis in San Diego, CA, where he was stationed as a US Marine. After his deployment in WWII, Aileen returned to the Roseburg area. She delivered their only child, a son, the following March.

Aileen's true love in life was her family. Family to her meant related family, extended family, dear friends and her dogs. She was a loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and aunt. Family and friends and their dogs were always welcome in the Loomis home..be it for a short visit or a long stay...the door was always open.

Through Aileen's 91 years, she worked as a social worker and librarian for Douglas County and several other odd jobs as well as being a homemaker. Her true passion in life was reading. After she lost her sight to macular degeneration, Aileen listened to Talking Books endlessly. In fact, the Talking Book Library probably doesn't have many books she hasn't read.

Aileen passed peacefully in her home early Thursday morning with her son by her side. Many family and friends visited Aileen in the weeks preceding her death. She truly loved and treasured each visit.

Her husband, Ralph, preceded her in death in 1987. She is survived by her son, Ralph, Jr; grandchildren, Cherryl Townley, Traci Allison, Chris Loomis and Daniel Loomis and six great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Althea Luttrell, Alta Bartrum, Wilma Moskel, James LaRaut and Verna Mead and many nieces and nephews. Her adopted brother, Bub Nickson,

predeceased her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Place and time will be posted here.

Donations in remembrance of Aileen can be made to Talking Books, Oregon State Library, 250 Winter St. NE., Salem OR 97301