Louise Valentine (Cowan) Parks

Louise Valentine Parks, 74, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on September 19, 2019 at 8:56 am at her sister’s home surrounded by family.

She was born August 30, 1945 in Fond du Lac, WI to William Prescott Cowan, Jr. and Jean (Valentine) Cowan.  Louise attended public schools in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1963. She later graduated from Carl Sandburg College as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Louise married William D. Chapin in 1966 and had twin sons in 1969.  Louise worked at hospitals and nursing homes during the intervening years while raising her sons. She later married Norman R. Parks in 1974 and he passed away in 2013.

After moving to Indiana in 1987 Louise returned to school at Indiana University- Purdue University at Indianapolis where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing becoming a Registered Nurse.  Louise soon became the Director of Nursing at Alpha Home in Indianapolis, IN.

Louise returned to Monmouth in 2006.  She was employed by Community Memorial Hospital, F-Wing, in charge of patient care plans.  Louise retired as Safety and Compliance Officer for OSF Holy Family Medical Center in 2017.

She was a member of PEO. She also loved dogs, collected vintage and antique Raggedy Ann dolls, flower gardening and reading.

Survivors include her twin sons, Willian Prescott (Jenniffer) Chapin of Monmouth and Dean Asher (Erika) Chapin of Painted Hills, IN; her granddaughters, Katherine (Andy) Ray of Peoria Heights, IL, Autumn Chapin of Monmouth, IL and Emma Chapin of Monmouth, IL; her sister, Jean Ann (Daniel) Kistler of Monmouth and her brother, Bob (Denise) Cowan of Naples, FL; also surviving are several nieces, nephews, close friends and former coworkers.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jean in 1961 and her father, Bill in 1994 and her nephew, Brad Kistler in 1976.

A Farewell Gathering will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm. Friday, September 27, 2019 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory in Monmouth, IL. Cremation has been accorded.  Memorials may be given to Western Illinois Animal Rescue.