Louise Boyd James, of Noble, Oklahoma, died at home on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the age of 79. Louise was born in 1941, to Opha (O.S.) and Lois Rogers Boyd in Norman, Oklahoma. Louise grew up on Boyd Diary in Norman on dusty, remote Lindsay Street just east of the University. Louise attended Norman Public Schools and went on to study at Oklahoma State University. She earned a Bachelor's degree in History, 1963 and a Master's Degree, History 1966 and Museum Studies, 1981, the University of Oklahoma.
Louise met the love of her life, Dick James, while attending Norman High. He was ornery and made her laugh. Mom said she never knew exactly what was going to happen, but being with him something was bound to happen, and they would have an adventure. They married June 18, 1961, and spent several fun years in Stillwater. After college, Louise and Dick made their home Guthrie, Oklahoma, where Dick was a Game Warden. Later, they moved to Woodward, Oklahoma, and raised their family. While in Woodward, they built an underground home and laughed that their marriage survived building a house together. They called Noble home during their retirement years. Louise loved to travel with Dick and find fascinating people, stories and places. Her passion for quilting kept her busy for the last several years of her life.
Louise is survived by son, Mark James of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Barbara Menefee and son-in-law Ricky Menefee of Blanchard, Oklahoma; and daughter-in-law, Cora James of Noble. Her grandchildren were the highlight of her life: McKenzie and Ryen Menefee of Blanchard, Juli James of Noble and Logan James of Atlanta. Louise's extended family included James Roane, Nina Spotts and Sam Roane, Chuck Rogers and Janice Nicklas, along with a host of other cousins. Louise had many dear friends from the chapters of her life, including Jaquita Deviney and the nurses of Life Springs Home Health and Ignite Medical Resort. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Boyd James; and granddaughter, Ruthie Menefee.
Anyone who knew Louise knew of her love of animals. Whether it was one of her harlequin Great Danes, Arabian Horses, miniature donkeys or faithful cats, she always had a picture to show or a fun happening to share.
Louise taught Oklahoma History at Anadarko, Guthrie and Woodward Public Schools. She enjoyed sharing history through storytelling. She spent much of her life learning the history of Oklahoma. She was an avid reader and researcher. She turned this passion into writing. After moving to Woodward in 1977, Louise began to research the history of Northwest, Oklahoma. Some of this research is documented in her published works, including; Below Devil's Gap: The Story of Woodward County, Woodward; and First Century on the Sand-Sage Prairie. 1887-1987. Louise was a free-lance writer for the Woodward Press, Mooreland Leader, The Daily Oklahoma, Smithsonian Magazine and other publications. She was always on the hunt for a good story.
Louise finished her career as a Museum Curator and Director at The Plains Indians and Pioneer Museum. At the museum, she preserved artifacts of Western Oklahoma and brought stories to life for visitors. She truly enjoyed this chapter of her life.
Serving on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Arabian Horse Club were meaningful experiences to Louise. Louise Boyd James was also a remarkable wife, daughter, grandmother and friend. The last chapter of her life is written, and she leaves behind an interesting story of her own.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks donations be made in her name to The Plains Indians and Pioneer Museum in Woodward, Oklahoma.