Louise was born April 23, 1916, at Hamilton, MT, to James Robert and Lulu (Thompson) Nalley. She attended school and graduated from high school at Broadus, MT. On October 31, 1936, she married Ren Gardner. One son, Larry J. Gardner was born to this union. Ren died in 1956 as the result of a rodeo accident. Louise worked at the bank in Buffalo, SD.
Louise married Floyd A. Cooper in 1957. Together, they worked on the ranch at Harding, SD, until Floyd died in 1974. After a fire destroyed the ranch home, Louise moved to Belle Fourche.
She then met and married Owen R. McDermott in 1977. The McDermott's resided in Sturgis. The past few years, Louise lived in assisted living and finally the nursing home.
Louise was a talented cook on a wood stove. She was a great cook and make tasty dishes out of very little. She canned everything and produced a big garden for many years. After moving to Sturgis, she volunteered at Ft. Meade where she took many goodies to the veterans.
Louise was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, Women of the Moose, and the VFW and American Legion Auxiliary.
Louise McDermott, 97, Belle Fourche and formerly of Sturgis, died Monday, July 8, 2013, at the Belle Fourche Regional Senior Care Center.
Survivors include her son, Larry (Joan) Gardner, Silver Springs, MD; step-sons, Jackie (Donna) Cooper and John (Kay) Cooper, all of Belle Fourche; one granddaughter, Lisa; and several Cooper step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; one step-son, Leslie Cooper; three brothers; and one sister.
A memorial has been established to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis.

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