Louise Bridges

Louise was born on December 19th, 1934 in Cullman County, Alabama.  She married Bobbie Bridges in March of 1953 & welcomed their son Lane in December of that year. 

She was a court reporter for many years serving Colbert County. Upon retirement in 1996, she was one of the last to use shorthand manually during trials, then transcribe those handwritten notes into a typed copy.     When typewriters gave way to computers, she changed with the times and became the most tech savvy grandma around - sending her loved ones some of their first emails in the late 90s.  Then she moved on to master texting & exchanged daily messages with her granddaughter up until just a few weeks ago.

A member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Florence, she committed to faith in the Lord in 1960, the result of a home visit by Pastor Arthur Gronbach.  This decision led her son, Lane to eventually pursue a career as a pastor & share God’s love with so many.   For many years she tirelessly served the Gulf States chapter of the Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League (LWML), using her skillset by holding the position of Recording Secretary.  There were also years that she supported her local church in the same capacity. 

She further used her professional skills to document her & Bobbie’s many travels.  An avid traveler, she saw many places in the world most people never even dream of.  Favorite trips included: The Galapagos islands, Ireland, Egypt, Cape Horn, and multiple trips to Germany – including a special one with their grandchildren in 2000.   

She was a true Southern lady, always beautifully put together & wearing her signature Chanel No. 5 perfume.  While beautiful on the outside, her inner beauty was superior.   She had the kindest heart and took such pleasure in giving gifts to others.  Meals at her home were an event, but baking was her true love – both of which she generously shared with others. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Bobbie Bridges, her parents, William and Georgie Reid, sisters Barbara Lawson & Kathryn Martin and brother Paul Reid, son H. Lane Bridges & grandson Benjamin Bridges. 

She is survived by daughter-in-law Judy Bridges, granddaughter Shelley (Brandon) Caldwell; great-granddaughters Georgia & Lila Caldwell; sisters-in law Faye Seidlitz & Patricia Knowles; and many loved nieces & nephews including: Geline Znika, Mike Seidlitz, Laticia Wright, Sonja Knowles, Susan Tankersley, Mark Dodd, Joe Dodd, Gina Kaulukukui, Ritchie Robershaw, Stacey Savka, and Cindy Indseth, with whom she had a special bond.

The family would like to thank the staff at Highland Meadows Health, Right at Home, Hope Hospice, and special friends Pat & Gina Grant, and Randy & Jody Caldwell for all of their love & care to both Bobbie & Louise over the years.  Randy & Jody graciously welcomed Louise into their home to spend her final days in comfort & peace surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation (11:30) followed by funeral services (12:30) will take place on Sunday August 17th at Greenview Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 3657 Old Chisholm Road, Florence, AL 35633.  

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