LENOIR, N.C. — Louise Ilee Cummings Bird lived a full and varied life of almost 95 years.
Louise was born in Rocky, Ark., and was the third of Oscar and Mildred Cummings’ eight children.  
When she was a small child the family moved to Albert, where her father found employment working for the railroad and farming.  She grew up on a farm and graduated from the local high school.
Louise met the love of her life, Tommy Bird, at the local 4-H Club.  She dated other boys, but he was always number one in her mind.
Tommy and Louise were married in her parent’s living room and moved to Syracuse, where Tommy worked as a farm hand. They soon moved back to Barton County to live with Tommy’s parents.  After a few years they settled into a house on the farmstead, where they began their family.
Tommy and Louise had eight children: Sandra, Rita, Bonnie, Phyllis, Paul, John, Jack and Mary Evelyn.  
Louise experienced the highs and lows of motherhood, the pleasures of grandchildren, and the agony of burying her beloved husband, three children and two grandchildren.
Louise lived her final years with her eldest daughter, Sandy, near Lenoir, N.C.
She loved her husband and family, reading, playing the piano, and doing things for others.  She loved God.
Louise is survived by her brother Artis, her sister Shirley, five children, 22 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren.  
She will be missed but her legacy will last.
A service celebrating Mrs. Bird’s life was held 2 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at Littlejohn United Methodist Church in Lenoir, N.C. with Elder Gary “Knocker” Gaskins and Reverend Allen Boliek officiating.
A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 30, in the Great Bend Cemetery.
Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Littlejohn United Methodist Church, 4120 Littlejohn Church Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645.
Online condolences may be sent to the Bird Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com

Funeral arrangements provided by
Evans Funeral Service and Crematory**
1070 Taylorsville Rd.
Lenoir, NC 28645
Great Bend (Kans.) Tribune, March 27, 2015