Louise Ware Wile, who had been active in Lexington charitable and social organizations, died yesterday at St. Joseph Hospital. She was 90. Mrs. Wile immersed herself in organizations such as the local Fresh Air Camp and family welfare and baby milk supply associations — serving on their boards — while her husband, Joseph S. Wile Sr., ran Wolf Wile Co., a downtown department store. Mrs. Wile also was a volunteer in the Needlework Guild. After a bout with cancer in the 1940s, Mrs. Wile got involved in the American Cancer Society, heading up a cancer society statewide fund drive. In later years, she took special interest in the Garden Club of Lexington, working for the club in the gift shop of the Ashland Henry Clay Estate. Mrs. Wile was born in Covington, the daughter of Orie Ware, a lawyer and former U.S. congressman and judge, and Louise Culbertson Ware, who was active in Covington community organizations. Mrs. Wile grew up on the corner of Fifth and Garrard in Covington. She graduated from the old Hamilton School in Lexington, where she was named May queen one year, and attended the University of Cincinnati. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her husband, Joseph S. Wile Sr.; a son, Joseph S. Wile Jr. of Lexington; a daughter, Louise Wile Helm of Louisville; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at W.R. Milward Mortuary — Broadway. Visitation will be from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday. Contributions are suggested to Garden Club of Lexington or Hospice of the Bluegrass.

Source:  Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) – Thursday, February 22, 2001