Louise Ellen Stribling

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Louise Ellen (Aylesworth) Stribling. She passed away in her sleep after a short illness on December 15, 2014. Louise was born on August 17, 1927 to Frederick Donovan & Adeline Louise Minnie (Hauert) Aylesworth in Appleton, WI. In April of 1936 she, her parents, and three brothers loaded up their 1930 Hudson Super 8 Touring Sedan for the five day trip to Santa Barbara. Louise was enrolled in the 3rd grade at Harding Elementary School, and then on to La Cumbre Jr. High and Santa Barbara High School where she graduated in 1945. While in high school she met her future husband, Alexander "Aleck" Stribling. They were married in October of 1946 at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. Together they built a home at the end of Stoddard Lane in Montecito and raised three sons. She was a wonderful mother. Making the boy's birthdays special with their favorite dinners. Louise loved Halloween, always dressing up. Once in costume, we would see a whole new side of her. (To the delight of her family and friends) Louise alongside Aleck and Mr. E. Gallup founded the world famous Gallup and Stribling Orchids, Inc. where she was Vice President, Bookkeeper and Cymbidium packer. She worked for years and countless hours in the business she loved. In her spare time she would work in her yard, play cards, and the organ. Louise was a great knitter, making slippers for all at Christmas. She spent many happy years at their cabin at Lake Nacimiento with family and friends. Louise was a wonderful cook "famous for her shortbread" and kept an immaculate home. She also loved collecting "Hummel" figurines and plates. As retirement approached Louise and Aleck were wondering what they would do to keep busy in the years to come. When one day Aleck came across an article on miniature horses. They bought one, then two and then another. It wasn't long that they out grew their place on Stoddard Lane. So they moved to Solvang bought 20 acres and over time started the Nationally Acclaimed Quicksilver Mini Horse Ranch. Louise knew all their names and taught some of them tricks like shaking hands, giving kisses and to stand on their back legs. Louise is preceded in death by both her parents and a brother Jack Sheldon Aylesworth. Louise is survived by her husband Aleck of 67, years her brothers Owen and Roger Aylesworth, sons Rodney, (Gail) Jim, (Rita) Randy, (Lori Jo), eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on January 2, 2015 at the Santa Barbara Cemetery Chapel. There will be a viewing at 10:00 A.M. for those who wish to pay their last respects. Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Home. Donations may be made in her memory to Alzheimer's Association, 1528 Chapala St. #204, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, 509 E. Montecito St., Ste. 200, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

Louise Ellen Stribling

August 17, 1927 - December 15, 2014