Louise Marie (Small) Oppen

Louise Marie Oppen was born April 13, 1939, in Waltham, Massachusetts, and grew up in Coral Gables, Florida. In 1976, Louise moved to Tyler, Texas, and spent over 30 years working for Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System as a clinical receptionist and a dispatcher. She was a hardworking, dedicated employee who often worked two full-time jobs to help support her family.

As a young woman, Louise trained and competed with her Collie dogs. She was an amazing cook, loved her pets, enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, going to the beach, shopping, and spending time with her family. This magpie (as her sister lovingly named her) collected everything related to the beach, shells, mermaid figurines, and anything sparkly.

Louise was witty, with a playful sense of humor, and loved to laugh. She was a selfless, determined, kind-hearted, and faithful Christian. She loved attending church to worship God and fellowshipping with her family and brethren at Indian Creek Church of Christ in Tyler. Louise was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud and blessed Oma to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She loved music, discussing the Bible, and spending time with her family. Louise was always ready for a pizza party, ice cream with family and friends, or just spending time with her pets. She also enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and board games with her grandchildren. Louise was also voted for the most beautiful legs in High School.

Louise went home to be with the Lord at 86 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Brookdale East in Tyler, Texas, where she resided. Survivors include her husband, Milton Oppen, of Tyler, Texas; Son and daughter-in-law Phil & Leslie Hannah of Bandera Texas; daughter and son-in-law Terry & Don Ellis of Bullard, Texas; sister and brother-in-law Joanne & Jim Warren of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, David & Chantel Ellis of Port Orchard, Washington, Andrew & Megan Ellis of Bullard, Texas,  Jason & Kayla Ellis, both from Bullard, Texas; Kyle & Vatina Hannah of Tauranga New Zealand, Connor Nevarez of Houston, Texas, and Michael Nevarez of Austin, Texas; great grandchildren, Avery & Amelia Ellis; Cade, Lucy & Georgia Ellis; Elijah, Zoey, Colton and (soon to arrive) Luna Ellis,  several other extended family members, along with her devoted dog, Peaches, and cat, Miss Kitty.

The family would like to thank the staff of Solaris Hospice of Tyler, Texas, for their excellent and compassionate care, as well as the staff of Brookdale East. Both entities played a big part in assisting with her care during her later years.

Her family greatly loved her, and she will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life will be in her honor on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Indian Creek Church of Christ in Tyler, TX, at 7:00 p.m. Louise will be privately entombed at the Rose Hill Cemetery & Mausoleum.