E. Louise (Lou) Milligan

E. Louise Milligan

 August 2, 1925 – April 20, 2017

Lou Milligan loved singing, teaching young children, and most of all, her family. She had a sense of humor that emerged when least expected, but that she held on to her entire life. She was never without a smile, a funny story, or a kind word. Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt.

The youngest of three daughters, Lou was raised by her mother, Clara Hoog, during the Great Depression. She lived in Monmouth, IL as a young girl, attending high school there and establishing life-long friendships. Lou was active in music, theater, and church choir, an activity she maintained most of her life. One of her first jobs was working in the local movie theater. She often was able to obtain a free ticket for her mother, and the two of them enjoyed the togetherness and the relatively rare entertainment during economically challenging times.

Lou received a scholarship to Monmouth College, where she graduated with a degree in vocal music and was active in Mortar Board, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and theater. At Monmouth she and her roommate, Doris, double dated and later married the dashing Milligan brothers. Merle and Lou were married in 1948 and had 65 happy years together, raising their children, Michael, Mary, and Mark. Her children, and later her granddaughters, Elizabeth and Emily, were Lou’s great pride and joy.

While Merle attended graduate school at the University of Illinois, Lou taught kindergarten. Upon moving to Alamosa a few years later, she taught voice at Adams State College, and performed in several operas there, which were among the musical highlights of her life. She was a regular soprano soloist in churches in Alamosa, Albion, MI, and in Denver, where she and Merle joined Wellshire Presbyterian Church in 1966. She remained active in the Wellshire Choir as long as she was able. Lou and Merle cherished their travels to Europe with the Wellshire Choir, singing in grand European cathedrals. Throughout her adult life, Lou enjoyed many social activities with friends, and was a dedicated and enthusiastic 60-year member of PEO.

Lou was a devoted wife to Merle, mother to Michael, Mary, and Mark, mother-in-law to Nancy and Judy, and grandmother to Elizabeth and Emily. She was a kind soul.

Lou was preceded in death by her husband Merle, sisters Helen and Jane, and daughter Mary.

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