285 Mrs. Burks & Mrs. Ganus Former Harding University First Lady Louise Ganus died Sept. 6, 2024. She was 102. Ganus was born Dora Louise Nicholas on Feb. 10, 1922, in the small town of Strawberry, Arkansas. She began studying at Harding in 1938 at the age of 16, and she graduated with degrees in English and French. During her time at Harding, Ganus worked as the Social News Editor for The Bison. She was active on campus as a member and president of social club W.H.C. She won a free-throw competition in 1942. She was crowned queen of the L.C. Carnival in 1941. She married Clifton Ganus Jr. in 1943. Louise Ganus served as the third first lady of Harding while Clifton Ganus Jr. served as the president of Harding from 19651987. They were married 76 years before his death in 2019. Ganus’ daughter, Debbie Duke, spoke of her dedication to Harding. “From the time she was 16 on, Harding was her life,” Duke said. After being inspired by an organization at Columbia University where her husband pursued a degree, Ganus helped found Associated Women for Harding. She was awarded their Lifetime Achievement award in 2007. Ganus was a sponsor for the women’s social club Tri Kappa. She also participated in Harding’s Master Gardeners’ Club. Duke said Ganus was supportive of her husband during his time as Harding’s president. “She worked really hard,” Duke said. “I remember her going to bed at midnight and getting up at 6. She was an early morning person, but the family stayed up late, so she stayed up late.” Lisa Williams, current first lady of Harding, spoke of her character. “She has always been known to have a gentle, kind, loving spirit,” Williams said. Ganus traveled often with her husband, and Duke said the couple visited 75 countries in her lifetime including Ukraine and Germany. The Ganuses were also faculty members for a semester at Harding University in Greece. Mona Lee Garner, a longtime friend of the Ganus family, said Louise Ganus was “a very gracious, lovely person.” Duke said of Ganus, “I remember as a child going to deliver food to people because she was always caring about people and trying to help people.” She and her husband were known for their hospitality. Louise Ganus FIRST LADY GANUS On Feb. 10 2012, Louise Ganus smiles Ganus served as the first lady of Harding from 1965-1987. Photo by Jeff Montgomery In Memory of “I would say our house was like a revolving door of people in and out all of the time,” Duke said. Garner also said Ganus was “very, very supportive” of her husband through his various careers. “I think she loved what she did,” Garner said. She loved Harding. She loved him,” She described the Ganus’ relationship as one of “mutual respect.” She is survived by three children, 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Written by Helen Strickland
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