Louise "Lou" Crawford

Louise "Lou" Crawford, born Maudie Louise Stroup on February 14, 1942, in Lodi, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, at the Heart of Hospice in Fort Smith, Arkansas, at the age of 83 years, 9 months, and 9 days.

Louise was a woman of unwavering strength and boundless love. Raised in the Baptist faith and later Assembly of God, she gave her life to the Lord at a young age and carried her faith with her throughout her life. Her spiritual foundation shaped her nurturing spirit and deep compassion for others.

Her life was marked by resilience and dedication. Louise worked tirelessly in a variety of roles throughout her lifetime – picking cotton in her early years, caring for residents in nursing homes, cleaning houses with diligence and pride, working in factories, and later finding joy in the collectible field at the Hummel Treasure House. Her passion for Hummel figurines was well known among those close to her; she took great delight in sharing her collection with visitors.

Louise had many passions that brought color to her life. She found peace in flower gardening and joy in decorating spaces with care. She loved sewing beautiful pieces and could often be found immersed in reading her bible or solving jigsaw puzzles with quiet determination.

Known as the heart of her family, Louise's home was always open – a place where love flowed freely and laughter echoed often. Her nurturing nature left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrell Crawford; mother and stepfather, Ruby Marian Helms and Roy Helms; father, Julian "Jimmy" Stroup; sister, Linda Blassingame; brother-in-law, Leon Stockton; two sons-in-law, Gene Ford and Rick Johnson; niece, Angela Claiborn; and Rex Bourland – the father of her three children.

Louise's greatest joy came from her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Larry Joe Bourland (Regina) of Pocola, OK; Nancy Ford of Rock Island, OK, and Lynn Boster (Charles) of Bonanza, AR. She also leaves behind a brother, Ray Stroup (Ricki) of Dallas, TX; a sister, Jean Stockton of Wister, OK; a sister-in-law, Lenice Gordon-Thompson; four grandsons, Dallas Bourland (Angela) of Fort Smith, AR, Brian Johnson (Melody) of Okmulgee, OK, Billy Roberts of Rock Island, OK, and Brent Johnson (Lacie) of McCurtain, OK; one granddaughter, Kelsie Crase (Cody) of Milton, OK; two step-granddaughters, Kimberly Allen (Mike) of Cleveland, OK, and Jeannie Smith of Pocola, OK.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Devon, Logan, Makyna, Brandtley, Jaxon, Braelynn, and Luke; as well as one great-great-granddaughter, Maci; step-grandchildren, Coby, Katelyn, Krystal, Krysten and Hanna; as well as step-great-grandchildren, Addyson, Bella, Colton, Stevie, and a host of an additional ten step-great-grandchildren in Florida. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart, as well as several great-nieces and -nephews. Louise was surrounded by a host of good friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and generosity.

A family-hosted Celebration of Life will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025 at The Cedars on Dewey in Poteau, Oklahoma. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Reynolds Cancer Support House at 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith 72903 or www.reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

May the memory of Louise "Lou" Crawford bring comfort to those who loved her dearly and serve as a lasting reminder of a life lived with grace, devotion, and enduring love.