Louise Hursh of Green Valley, age 88, professional nurse and committed caregiver to anyone who needed it, passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of January 6, 2024.

She was named Martha Louise when born in Monongahela, PA on May 21, 1935, to Carl and Martha Altenhof. She graduated from Monongahela high school in 1953 and became an RN after graduation from the Allegheny General Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA in 1956.

Louise married Neal Hursh in 1976 and moved to Indianapolis, IN. The couple later moved to Green Valley, AZ in the fall of 2000.

Louise's nursing experiences included working on a TB ward and in an emergency room. She oversaw an ICU, served as a director of nursing at a rehab hospital, worked in medical device sales, did private duty nursing, and cared for her son Steven when he became a paraplegic from a sledding accident. Regardless of where she was working professionally, she was always available and eager and able to help friends and neighbors with their medical needs.

Between nursing assignments, Louise worked as a travel agent and tour guide. She and Neal traveled to virtually every U.S. state. She loved to cruise. She visited Alaska, Hawaii, China, Russia, several European countries, and Caribbean islands.

After retirement she was an enthusiastic volunteer. She was a member of CERT. She was in the first Green Valley Fire Department Fire Corps training class, learned to drive the Fire Corps pickup truck and to catch and release rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters.  She volunteered with Valley Assistance Services where she performed several nursing and promotional assignments. At the Green Valley Regional Hospital, she volunteered to coordinate other volunteers in the emergency room and operating rooms. She was also active in other civic organizations.

Louise loved her church, St Francis in the Valley Episcopal. She attended regularly and generously volunteered her time, when she was healthy. She loved to come early for Sunday services so she could greet everyone as they arrived to worship.

Louise's memorial service will be held at the Church on Friday, January 26, at 11 a.m. followed by inurnment in the memorial garden columbarium.

Louise is survived by her husband Neal, their dog Misty Mae, Neal's two daughters, close neighbors, and friends all over the country with whom she kept in touch over decades. She was preceded in death by her sons John and Steven Voelker, by her parents and her brother.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the church, St Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church, 600 S. La Cañada Dr., Green Valley, AZ 85614.