Louise (Sims) Dunavan, 95, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 at her home.
Memorial services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Louise was born on August 10, 1930 in La Salle to C. Eugene and Verna (Golden) Sims. She was a graduate of La Salle Peru High School and Illinois Wesleyan University, where she was also a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. Louise worked at the LaSalle County Public Defender’s Office for 22 years. She married Richard “Dick” Dunavan on July 3, 1954 at First Methodist Church in Ottawa. She was a member of Helia, P.E.O., Ottawa Elks Club, and Ottawa Boat Club. Louise loved to play bridge, garden, read, and was a world class cook. She was a lifelong avid Cubs fan. She enjoyed traveling and time at the beach.
She is survived by her two children, Mark D. (Julie Kubicek) Dunavan of McFarland, WI, Sandra (Steven Zak) Dunavan of Saline, MI; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, David Sims of Oglesby; former daughter-in-law, Peggy Dunavan of Ottawa; and friend and caregiver, Janet Hall.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Verna Sims; and her husband of 56 years, Richard Dunavan.
Memorials may be directed to the Community Food Basket of Ottawa.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433