February 22, 1931 – March 16, 2023
Louise Ward O’Kief-Trout died peacefully surrounded by her family on March 16, 2023. Her three daughters (Connie Teal, Tina Silvestri, and Melissa Davis-Rozsa), three sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren survive her.
As a child, she was raised on a farm in Poplar Bluff, MO, where her parents instilled the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance in her.
It was Louise who became one of the early female gemologists in 1951. It was her store, Davis Jewelery, that was known for its’ fine jewelry, Spode China, and excellent customer service in Ontario, OR and Payette, ID.
In 1959, Louise was hired by The De’Beers in London, England. She was one of the top diamond appraisers for them until 1979. Her freelance work included designing for Tiffany and Co., Cartier, and Harry Winston during this period.
Louise was the exclusive jewelry buyer for Gumps Department Store in San Francisco, CA from July 1979 to July 1983.
In 2000, Louise was asked to help procure Millennium Star Diamond (203.04ct), the second largest diamond in the world for the De’Beers.
Louise relocated to the Monterey Peninsula in 1976. She opened the only Mark Cross store that was independently owned in 1980 located at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, CA. In 1992, she opened two other high end jewelry stores, at Pebble Beach one was the Marquise and the other is Marchesa Jewelry. Louise’s family tradition is still carried on by her daughters at Marchesa Jewelry today.
Louise loved traveling and devoted herself to her family. Over the course of her life, she supported many causes and charities anonymously and partnered with a number of businesses silently. It was in 2010 when she helped her daughter, Tina Silvestri, found a 501(c)3 non profit organization called Monterey Bay Educational Center. The center would not exist today without her support.
Louise will be put to rest in Ontario, OR alongside her son and parents. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your favorite charity.
Like diamonds are forever the memory of Louise will be too.