Louise E. Childress, 88, of Little Rock, Ark., died Monday, Sept. 3, 2001, at Pleasant Valley Living Center in Little Rock.

She was born Oct. 1, 1912, in Cape Gir-ardeau, daughter of August and Ella Dilport Gockel. She and James T. Childress were married May 23, 1934, in Cape Girardeau. He died Jan. 30, 1991.

Louise was a licensed practical nurse at the former St. Francis hospital from 1945-56. She was the first president of the LPN Association in the Cape Girardeau area.

She was active in the Southeast Missouri Hospital Volunteers, former member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mo., and former member of St. Mark's Chapter 167 Order of Eastern Star more than 50 years.

Louise lived in Jackson from 1971 to 1992 and had been a resident of Little Rock the past six years. She was a member of Ashbury United Methodist Church in Little Rock.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne A. and Guy A. Lowes of Little Rock; a sister, Mrs. Jack (Gerry) Gladish of Cape Girardeau; three grandsons, Guy A. Lowes Jr. of Holden, W.Va., J. Andrew Lowes of Dallas, Texas, William M. Lowes of Tupelo, Miss.; two nephews, August W. Gockel of Cape Girardeau, William H. Childress of Alpharetta, Ga.; a niece, Mrs. Ed (Nancy) McGrew of Cape Girardeau; seven great-grandchildren; and several great-nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The Rev. John Rice will officiate. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Home Care of Little Rock, Alzheimer's Association or Ashbury United Methodist Church in Little Rock.