Louesa P (Davidson) Thayer

Louesa P. Thayer, 102 of Ravenna, passed away Wednesday June 26, 2019 at her home.  Louesa was a descendant of a pioneer family in Cleveland, Ohio.  She was born to Oliver and Pearl Davidson on Thanksgiving Day November 30, 1916 accompanied by a twin brother, Leonard.  She was born in the Newburgh Heights section of Cleveland.  The family forefathers debated on where to settle and considered what is now downtown Cleveland.  At the time 100 acre lots at the square could be purchased for $1.25 per acre.  Lots at Newburgh were $2.50 per acre.  They purchased land at Newburgh because they felt the land was more fertile.  In 1917 when Louesa was about 7 months old, she became a farm girl.  Her dad had a consuming desire to have a dairy farm, so he purchased a farm in Brecksville, Ohio and moved his family there.  She grew up loving the farm life and Brecksville, speaking of the beautiful blue birds that nested in the hollow fence posts.  Louesa and her  4 siblings were all involved in 4H.  The cattle were exhibited at local fairs and won many ribbons.  She graduated from Brecksville High and became intrigued with the possibility of attending Schauffler College of Religious Education and Social Work in Cleveland.  It had been established in 1866 originally for women from all over the world.  She felt it would be a wonderful experience to mingle with students so diverse and still get home to the farm some weekends.  With two brothers already attending college, it looked dubious.  However, with the work program at the college and the family help she was able to attend Schauffler.  She took some time off during her college years to care for her critically I'll mother.  She returned to Schauffler and graduated in 1940.  Brother len went into the air force, and Louesa spent hours preparing and sending care packages to relatives and friends.  She stayed in Brecksville to care for her father and brother who was still in high school.  Later she went into the Navy Waves and spent several months in Washinton DC.  Louesa met  Ralph E. Thayer of Jamestown, NY and they were married in January 1947.  They resided in Brecksville for some time, then moved to Jamestown for 10 years because Ralph was so attached to his hometown.  Her job took her all around beautiful Lake Chautauqua.  One day she was caught in a blizzard and didnt get home to her two small children that night.  The family returned to Brecksville to live, and Louesa then worked at the former Hawthornden State Hospital in Sagamore Hills as a social worker.  It was a position she worked at diligently and felt much accomplishment.  She then attended many courses to remain certified.  They then lived in Winter Haven, Florida for a few years after she and her husband retired.  She had always followed the Cleveland Indians and was happy to live where they trained.  They returned to Ohio and resided in Ravenna.  Her husband passed from cancer in 2001.    The family attended various churches in several moves they made.  Louesa enjoyed the little steeple church in Rootstown, and attended there when possible.  A broken leg in 2009, which didnt heal properly curtailed her activities.  She could no longer tend her flowers that she loved to do. She was active with the Red Cross in the past, but had to resort to reading, working on the family tree, and puzzles to keep herself occupied.  Louesa will be reunited with her husband at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.   Loved ones who have left us before, besides her parents and husband, were four beloved brothers Oliver Jr, William, Leonard, and Milton. And a granddaughter, Becca.  She is survived by her two sons David E. and Ronald K. Thayer(Rebecca Thayer). Three grandchildren Derek, Lara, and Jess.  And 5 great grandchildren.  If one wishes to donate to a cause, Louesa always remembered Hattie Larlham 9772 Diagonal Road, Mantua, Ohio 44355.  She also wanted to remember her animal friends, and wishes donations to be made for their care.  Special thanks to Dolores, her best friend.   Condolences and memories of Louesa may be shared with her family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.

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