Louisa Mercy Hadix Van Ausdal passed away February 7 2012. She was born in Forest Hills California and grew up in Plymouth California. She graduated from Sutter Creek High School and attended two years of business school and then worked as a bookkeeper as her career. Louisa was proud to be a minister's daughter. Her father Elias Hadix was the pastor of the Free Methodist Church in Plymouth. Her mother Mercy Hadix raised six children and was a caregiver to the sick. Louisa met the man of her dreams, Max Van Ausdal in 1939 and it was love at first sight for both of them. They were married three months later. They were happily married nearly 70 years. Love, having fun and living life to its fullest was the theme of their marriage. Max passed away May 2009 just before their 70th wedding anniversary party.

Louisa was a member of Alpha Club, The Hospital Foundation, First United Methodist Church Sara's Circle, Republican Women's Club and more. Her passion was flower arranging and she won many awards for her creative arrangements. She loved sharing this gift by teaching children in her home. Many of her students entered the flower show and won prizes. She also believed a good life was serving the community by being a volunteer. Because of her dedication, she was voted Lompoc Woman of the Year. She and Max also won Volunteer Couple of the Year. Dancing with Max was one of her greatest joys and she also loved reading, gardening, golf, traveling and spending time with her friends. Many will remember her as a gracious hostess as she and Max loved to entertain.

Louisa is survived by special Niece Charlotte (Russell) Vann of Indialantic, Florida, Grandniece Deborah Vann (Marty Campbell), Grandniece Terri (Richard) Roosa, Grandnephew Russell (Meghan) Vann IV, Great grand nephews Tyler and Ian Vann-Campbell, Michael and Sean Roosa, Russell Vann V and Hunter McAndrew all of Florida. Also surviving are Brother-in-law Jay (Phyllis) Peterson of Santaquin, Utah and family, and Niece Joan Van Ausdal (Shirl) Pettro of Mesquite, Nevada and many other Van Ausdal nieces and nephews.

Visitation hours will be from 9am to 10am Monday, February 13, 2012 at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary with burial at 10:30am at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. A celebration of her life will follow at 11:30am at First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St. Lompoc, CA 93436. A reception will then be held in the Church Fellowship Hall.

Louisa will be sorely missed by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Hospital Foundation, PO Box 883, Lompoc, CA 93436, or First United Methodist Church.