Obituary of Loueen Mayott "LouMae" Novak

    Loueen Mayott “LouMae” Novak was born March 1, 1936, to Ray and Dorothy (Schrieber) Hickey on the Lower Brule Indian Reservation near Chamberlain, SD. She spent all her growing-up years in Brule County. LouMae had many stories to tell of growing up by the “bend” on the Missouri River, living near the Indian Reservation. She attended Chamberlain High School, claiming those were some of her most fun, memorable times. She worked in a photography studio, then became a telephone operator.

    On March 1, 1957, LouMae was united in marriage to Russell Novak. To this union were born three daughters and one son: Suzette, Lori, Lisa and Michael. They farmed for 15 years on a farm south of Pukwana in Ola Township before selling out and moving to Monroe, WA in 1971. When Russ and LouMae retired, they enjoyed traveling and found “change” to be sort of an adventure, eventually leading them to many moves. At one point or another, they lived close to each of their girls for a time, and then when the bug hit, they were off to the next one where they would settle in again for however long they wanted – making wonderful lifelong friends along the way.

    Words came easy for LouMae – she was a great storyteller and quite often would put pen to paper, writing many poems and short stories. Her creativity was amazing - from sewing, painting rocks and pictures to a variety of hand crafts. She even helped the grandkids do school projects (and maybe a report or two). She also enjoyed being with her great-grandchildren and would almost become a child again as she played with them.

    LouMae had a joyful, loving spirit; an unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and a great love for family and friends. Studying the Bible was her most precious pastime, and if you were willing, it was also her favorite thing to talk about. She was always ready to have fun – laughter was second nature to her.

    Following Russ’s death in 2008, LouMae made a move to Sanborn, IA in 2010. Once again, meeting new faces in a new environment was to her, a pure delight. Her time volunteering at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn or the Village Treasure Chest in Sheldon, IA created many wonderful friendships.

    On Saturday, June 28, 2025, LouMae passed from this life and joined loved ones who had gone before: her parents, Ray and Dorothy; her husband, Russell; her son, Michael; four brothers; and four sisters.

    LouMae will be lovingly remembered by her children: Sue (Cliff) Graafstra of Monroe, WA, Lori Bollema of Portales, NM, and Lisa (Harvey) Van Ess of Sanborn, IA; grandchildren: Kelly (Collin) Moulaison, Jessie Lammon, Toni Webster, Richard (Carly) Bollema, Ryan (Tish) Bollema, Racheal (Josh) Bruton, Joshua Van Ess, Jeremy (Patricia) Van Ess, Chad (Jordan) Van Ess, Tyler (Anna) Van Ess, Todd (Stefanie) Van Ess; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special friends, Sue and Mike Skillen;

other relatives and friends.