Louise Lillian Smallidge

Louise Lillian Smallidge, age 84, of Hastings, MN, passed away on September 26, 2024. Louise was born in St. Paul, MN to Lillian and John Johnson on April 7, 1940. She grew up near Tanner’s Lake and graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1958. Louise graduated from Mankato State University in 1962 with a degree in elementary education. Louise spent her life using her many gifts and talents to help others. She taught second grade at Carver Elementary and nursery school at Woodbury United Methodist Church.

Family and friends were Louise’s joy and priority, putting their needs above her own. She was introduced to Gene Smallidge by Stan Parrish when Stan asked Gene to join the church choir. Louise and Gene began dating as sophomores in high school, attended college together, and were married on December 22, 1962. While teaching, Louise and Gene began farming together in 1965. Since that time, Louise and Gene have raised many crops, beef cattle, and two children, Barb and Scott, on their farms in Cottage Grove. Louise was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who spread love and kindness wherever she went.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Johnson. She is survived by her husband, Gene Smallidge, her daughter, Barb Smallidge, Barb’s children Dylan Smallidge and Emma Jones, her son, Scott Smallidge (Kathy Eilers), and their children Marinna Smallidge (Patrick Gibb), and Kyra Smallidge. Louise is now singing in the heavenly choir with family and many friends.

A visitation for Louise will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at The Grove United Methodist Church, 7465 Steepleview Road, Woodbury, MN 55125. A memorial service will be held at The Grove United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11:00 am, with a visitation before the service at 10:00 am and a luncheon following the service.