Louise Cyphers

Louise was born in Keystone, West Virginia on 11/28/27 and passed away on 12/5/17. Her beloved husband of more than 70 years, Kenneth, passed away 22 days later. They are survived by their children, Candy Helms (Steve), Teresa, Debbie, and Craig (Sara Sydnor). They were predeceased by their daughter Cheri. They had 9 grandchildren, 20 great grand children, and one great, great grandchild.

Louise trained to become a lab technician at Clinch Valley Clinic in Richlands, Va. Their love story began when Kenneth spotted her getting off a bus to return to work at the clinic. He pursued Louise and they were later married on May 31, 1947. Ken and Louise loved to dance to the tunes of the big band era and were greatly admired for their smooth dancing.

Louise was a working mom well ahead of today’s career women. She worked full time while serving up the best home cooked meals and desserts around and, in the tradition of the 50’s took care of all of the needs of her home, her children, and her husband. As her family grew to include numerous grandchildren, Granny and Granddad’s home was always the center of activity. Her family meant everything to her. Their legacy of family gatherings, particularly at Christmas, provokes fond memories in all of their family members.

Ken and Louise moved to Jacksonville, Fl. in 1962 for better work opportunities. Louise worked in the lab at Riverside Hospital until she retired in 1988. Ken and Craig, along with help from many family members, built a log cabin overlooking a pond in St. Augustine, FL. Ken made a sign ”Cyphers Gardens” to show off the beautiful flowers that Louise maintained in their huge yard.

They became very adventurous in retirement, in 1993 and 1996 they spent five months working at Yellowstone National Park. Louise was a store clerk and Ken took care of light maintenance in the main store near the site of Old Faithful. They were able to explore many parts of the US on their drives out west. Teresa, Debbie, and Craig were able to join them on many camping exploits to national parks throughout the US.

After some years of declining health Ken and Louise agreed to move back to Jacksonville to be closer to their children, who diligently cared for them for the last three years. In particular, Debbie and Craig made sure that their every need was taken care of, with support from Candy and Teresa.

A brief service will be held for the inseparable couple on Jan. 19, at 10AM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in their honor to Yellowstone.org, the park they loved so much.  

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