Tributes have been paid to a community champion and beloved wife who has died.

Louise Booth, 78, was praised as a community hero on the Weston, where she lived with husband Ron and worked hard to make a better life for residents.

She ran various residents’ groups and will be remembered for her tireless work running a junior football team with Ron.

Louise, of Gilchrist Avenue, died at Macclesfield Hospital on Thursday, March 5, after a brain haemorrhage, with Ron by her side. She leaves five grandchildren, sons Robert, David, Andrew, and a daughter Sandra.

Ron, 85, said: “Louise was a brilliant woman. We ran the football club because it was our pleasure.

“Louise had great community spirit. That was her thing, she was also doing things to help people.

“We want to celebrate her life.

“Louise was very intelligent and did an amazing amount of work for the community.”

Louise and Ron Booth were married for 60 years

Louise, who had a degree in Egyptology, was born in Manchester in 1937 and married Ron in 1954. In the late 60s, the couple moved to Victoria Park, where they set up Victoria Park Youth Club and Victoria Park Football Club.

Louise worked as a psychiatric nurse at Parkside and a midwife. In 1973, the family moved to Bollington and in 1989 Louise and Ron lived briefly in Spain but returned to the Weston in 1995.

Louise set up the Weston Tenants’ Association in 1999. In the same year, Louise and Ron set up Henbury and Broken Cross Junior Football Club. Louise became secretary after Ron suffered a stroke and continued to work hard at the club while caring for him.

In 2006, Louise helped launch Weston Development Group which opened a sports area for children. She helped establish the Community Resource Centre where she ran a lunch club for residents.

Louise, who had five great grandchildren, sat on tenants groups for Peaks and Plains Housing Trust, which named her a ‘community champion’.

Tim Pinder, chief executive, said: “It’s difficult to convey the importance of Louise’s work. She worked tirelessly to represent the views of tenants and we would not be the organisation we are today without her contribution.

“She was universally liked, for her sharp wit, humour and honesty. I’m privileged to have known her and we will miss her very much.”

Louise’s funeral is at St Albans Church on Monday, March 23, 10.30am, before the crematorium at 11.30am, then on to the Broken Cross Club.