Louisa Ann Cone

Louisa Ann Cone passed away on May 1, 2026. Born on May 22, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, to Robert and Pauline Nichols, Louisa lived a life defined by hard work, community service, and a deep love for her family, especially her husband, Randy, and their two sons, Clint and Duane.

Raised in Hemet, California, Louisa developed a lifelong passion for gardening and animals. She was named Outstanding Ag Student at Pierce College while majoring in Swine Husbandry. Her life changed forever at a livestock show when she met Randy – a meeting sparked when he asked her to swap places in his truck with his dog, Button. They were married in Reno, Nevada, on February 4, 1961, enjoying 65 wonderful years together.

The newlyweds raised Duroc hogs on an 80-acre ranch in Sylmar, California, even supplying pigs for Hollywood productions like Green Acres and Charlotte’s Web. Louisa also spent 10 years as a volunteer guide at the Los Angeles Zoo , educating visiting schoolchildren, and was appointed by then-Governor Ronald Regan to serve as a State Commissioner for he 51st Ag District.

Following several natural disasters, the family relocated to Caldwell, Idaho, in 1976. Louisa coordinated local Centennial events and co-owned the Sand Hollow Country Store with Randy for 29 years. Never one to slow down, she earned a Culinary Arts degree from Boise State University at age 52, spending the next 20 years as a beloved chef at the Boise Centre.

Louisa’s dedication to volunteerism was extraordinary. Named Caldwell’s Most Distinguished Citizen in 1985, she was Idaho’s oldest 4-H leader with over 60 years of service. She served on the Caldwell Meals on Wheels board for 35 years, was a board member and instrumental to the operation of the Canyon County Festival of Trees for 25 years, and served as State President for the Idaho Federation of Garden Clubs.

Louisa and Randy shared a love for adventure, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a 30-day trip to Europe and enjoying numerous cruises together. Their strong bond supported them through the heartbreak of a tragic accident in 1990, when their son, Clint, was struck by a drunk driver. He sustained severe injuries and eventually passed away in 2001. When St. Luke’s graciously forgave his resulting medical debt, Louisa and Randy were profoundly moved. In deep gratitude, they spent nearly three decades supporting the St. Luke’s Humphreys Diabetes Fund, alongside several other charities.

Louisa is survived by her husband, Randy, and her son, Duane Tim Cone. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Clint Jay Cone; her parents; and other dear family members.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 11:00 to 1:00 pm at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, 624 Cleveland Blvd. in Caldwell, with funeral services to immediately follow at 1:00 pm. Graveside services will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Luke’s Health Foundation or your local 4-H chapter.

In honor of Louisa’s lifelong love of gardening, she would love it if we all continued to spread seeds of kindness.