December 16, 1933 – December 19, 2020
Louise Whaley Birden, 87, passed away on December 19, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. Born December 16, 1933 in Salisbury, Ind., Louise was the eldest daughter of Omer T. and Virginia (Holland) Whaley.
At the age of 16, Louise and her family moved to Sheridan where she happily resided for 71 years. Louise graduated from Sheridan High School in 1951. On December 14, 1951, Louise married the love of her life, Billie Brooks Birden. Together they raised five children. For many years, Louise and Bill worked side by side in their family business, Standard Oil Bulk Plant. Doing whatever necessary to provide for her family, Louise also drove a milk truck when Bill needed an extra pair of hands on his route.
For 22 years, Louise worked at Sheridan Family Practice until her retirement in 2014. Many Sheridan residents fondly recall Louise’s kind voice on the other end of the phone when scheduling an appointment. Hearing her warm, caring voice answer their call was comforting. Louise always found a way to fit a patient in the schedule even when it was overbooked.
Louise took immense pride in her home. She loved working in the yard and cleaning her house. During the summer, which was her favorite time of year, Louise could be found on her back deck sunbathing if she had the opportunity. She also enjoyed shopping, especially with one of her daughters. Fondly remembered by her children as having a lead foot when driving, Louise could be competitive. On more than one occasion, she raced someone home smiling broadly when she pulled into the drive first.
Already deeply missed by her family, Louise is survived by her children, including Randy Birden, Lebanon, Rick (Cathy) Birden, Sheridan, Cathy (Gregg) Weidman, Carmel, Julie (Sam) Meisler, Knoxville, Tenn., and Kristi (David) Leonard, Sheridan. Louise was a loving grandmother to Rick (Stacy) Birden, Miles and Tripp Birden, Brent Weidman, Brooks (Melanie) Weidman, Brianna (Ethan) Weidman Hunsinger, Hunter Little and Sarah Meisler, and Lane Leonard. She was also great-grandmother to Mason, Autumn, Silas, Stella, Laila and Rowan Birden. Louise was a devoted sister to Donald Whaley, Gladys Birden, Hugh (Nancy) Whaley and Charlie Whaley. She also had many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Omer T. and Virginia Whaley, Louise is preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Bill B. Birden; two sisters, Peggy McDole and Sharon Anderson; and her adored eldest brother, John Henry Whaley.
Due to pandemic restrictions limiting public gathering, a private family service and burial will be held at this time. Because Louise was a beloved member of the Sheridan community, a celebration of life will be planned by her family at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St. #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Fisher Family Services is honored to serve the Birden family.
Condolences: fisherfunerals.com