Zena Loukashnok Hoover

Zena Loukashnok Hoover passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016 in McMinnville, Ore. surrounded by her family.

Zena was born Feb. 16, 1928 on a small farm located at Five Points in southern New Jersey. She grew up with her brother, Alex, and sister, Mae, on a poultry farm owned by her parents outside of Milmay, N.J. She attended Douglas College and received her master degree from Glassboro State College. Zena taught school for many years, ranging from a small country school to a larger district at the end of her career.

She met the love of her life when they were in sixth grade and married Clarence Harris Hoover, Jr. on Sept. 18, 1948 in Vineland, N.J. They went on to have three daughters, Ardith Clare, Susan Beth and Amy Lynn.

As a family they enjoyed summers at the shore, camping and canoeing, and taking long road trips throughout the United States and Canada. Later, Clarence and Zena would travel extensively around the world.

So adventuresome were they, that in their seventies, they finally left their childhood home and relocated in Santa Fe, N.M. There Clarence passed away on March 26, 2005.

Zena then moved to Fountain Hills, to be near her youngest daughter, Amy and son-in-law, Jack to enjoy the warmth of the sun. In April of 2015, Zena moved to McMinnville, Ore. where she could enjoy her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Zena is survived by her brother, Alex Loukas (Bobbi) of New Jersey; daughters, Ardith Fanning (Douglas) of Oregon, Susan Connaughton (Dennis) of New Jersey, Amy Tuso (Jack) of Panama; grandchildren, Jeffrey Fanning (Kayla), Jennifer Gilmartin (Tim), and Colin Connaughton and great-grandchildren, Rylan Fanning, Greyson Fanning, and Brynlee Fanning all of Oregon.

Remembrances may be given to Friends of Historic Friendship Church, Landisville, N.J., 08326.

A private service for family is planned.