Louise Ankrum Hoge
Louise Ankrum Hoge, 93, of West Alexander, passed away with family at her side, Sunday, October 24, 2021, at Donnell House, Concordia Hospice of Washington.
Louise was born November 30, 1927, in Cottageville, West Virginia, a daughter of the late John F. and Vernie “Ging” Smith Ankrum. She was an active member of West Alexander Presbyterian Church, and a walking library of information regarding local individuals, events, and community history. Louise never met anyone she did not attempt to get to know better, and pray for. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a deeply caring person who lived the example of a faith-filled Christian life to all she came in contact with.
From her baptism at age six, in Cabin Creek, in West Virginia, she dedicated her life to worshipping and sharing salvation through Christ with others-first in the Baptist faith, and subsequently in Bridgeport and Cedar Grove (PA) Presbyterian Churches in Pennsylvania. Louise has served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Quilter at her church. She and her husband were active members of the Gideon’s Association for over 30 years, sharing the gospel and distributing copies of Bibles to countless organizations and individuals, including regular jail visits with prisoners.
Until last year, Louise was also Treasurer of the West Alexander Cemetery for over 30 years, donating her salary to the Church. She and her husband were also members of the Claysville Seniors Center, and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.
Louise met the love of her life, Wayne Hoge of West Alexander, who survives, in Wheeling, W.Va., and married him on August 30, 1952. They lived in Montgomery County and Lancaster County, until they retired, and moved back to Wayne’s hometown of West Alexander in 1987. Louise worked until then as a secretary and bookkeeper at various business concerns, until her retirement from Conestoga Wood Products in East Earl.
In addition to her husband, Wayne Hoge, she is survived by her brother, John Ankrum, of Columbus, Ohio; two children, Jeff Hoge, of Southborough, Massachusetts, and Mark Hoge, of Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; six grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren in Mannheim, Germany; and various nieces and nephews.
Visitation and services for Louise will be held at West Alexander Presbyterian Church (WAPC), with visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 28.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 29, at WAPC with the Rev. Gary Gibson officiating.
Interment to follow at West Alexander Cemetery.
A luncheon will be held in the WAPC Fellowship Hall, following services. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, Louise asked that memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, or online at billygraham.org
Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger Street, Wheeling, WV 26003
304-242-2311.
Condolences may be made to the family at kepnerfuneral.com