Louise Crosby Edwards, 90, of Apex died after a brief illness on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Wake Med Cary Hospital, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Carolina Sierra Club by mail to P. O. Box 27291, Raleigh, NC 27611.

Louise was born October 13, 1918 in Corvallis, Oregon, the daughter of the late Hartzell and Mayme Crosby of Mansfield, Washington.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Lance Crosby, of Friday Harbor, Washington; her daughter, Sherroll Ellis of Santa Monica, California and son Kermit Edwards of Silver Spring, Maryland.

Surviving are her sister, Mary Oechsner, of Enumclaw, Washington; her son Ivan Edwards and daughter-in-law Joy Edwards of Cary; her daughter Sylvia Parks and son-in-law Andrew Parks of Apex; six grandchildren, Avery Edwards and wife Rochelle Edwards of Apex, Kian Edwards of Cary, Darryl Parks of Greensboro, Delia Parks, Madeleine Parks and Laura Parks, all of Apex.

Her passing is also mourned by a loving circle of extended family in Virginia, Washington, California and Alaska.

Louise grew up on a wheat farm in central Washington. She graduated from high school in Mansfield, Washington and attended Washington State University with her brother and sister, where she earned her bachelors degree.

She married Russell Edwards and raised 4 children. She was a middle school English teacher in Chesterton, Indiana for over 10 years, a business administrator and an environmental activist. Her deep love for wildlife and the natural world took her on frequent camping and backpacking trips with family and friends, as well as skiing, canoeing, and rafting adventures.

She was a member of several environmental groups and volunteered her time and talents to environmental protection efforts, helping to launch a recycling program in Chelan, Washington in the 1980s.

She was well read, and active in a local book club and writers group.

After retiring from teaching, she enjoyed gardening and travels to Africa, China, Australia, Mexico and other destinations.

Louise moved to North Carolina in 1996, where she shared her wisdom, love of learning and her zest for life with her children and grandchildren.

Arrangements are in care of Apex Funeral Directors, Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.apexfuneral.com