Lois Lewis

A beautiful soul has left this life to live with the Heavenly Father. Lois Lewis passed peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 4, 2024 following a brief illness. Lois Elva Lane was born on the family's farm in Boyne City on Christmas Eve 1927, the first daughter and third child of Frederick James Lane and Alice Peredine Jones.

Lois's childhood was filled with many farm adventures and hard work which formed a framework for her practical wisdom, sense of humor and life of service to others. Lois graduated from Boyne City High School in 1945 and moved to Petoskey to find work. She found it as the secretary to the manager of the Bell Telephone Company (presently the Petoskey District Library) and, while there, caught the attention of several Bell and Western Electric male employees including Russell Lewis. She and her Superman were married on June 21, 1948 and made a home in Charlevoix. Russ and Lois welcomed four children into their lives; Richard, Kay, Karen, Nora. The children learned from their parents the same work ethic, sense of adventure and service to others and are forever grateful for the loving home their parents created.

Russ predeceased Lois on July 20, 1999 after 51 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her son Richard Frederick Lewis, parents, brothers Kenneth Lane, William Lane and sister, Norma Wangeman.

If you knew Lois, you know you could ask her for anything. Her life of service included Hospice of Northern Michigan, the Women's Resource Center Safe Home, The Charlevoix Hospital Guild, the Rainbow Resale Shop, the Charlevoix Area Food Pantry, the Charlevoix Community Christmas Project, The Charlevoix Area Garden Club, Master Gardeners of Northern Michigan, the Order of the Eastern Stars and the Job Winslow Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Charlevoix for 75 years. Lois worked tirelessly in the community, church and her own gardens. Her beautiful quilts are treasured by her children and grandchildren. Her selfless giving to others will remain an inspiration to all who knew her. Many times her friends said, "I want to be like Lois." She lived a life of stewardship until the end.

Lois Is survived by her daughters Kay Russell, Karen (Ed) Cole and Nora (Ken) Stiff, grandchildren Jent Lewis and Emily Higginbotham, Allen, Miles, Daniel, Joe and Matthew Russell, Steven and Scott Cole, Jason and Michael Stiff and Sarah Hlavacek, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A remembrance service honoring Lois's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the First Congregational Church in Charlevoix.  A reception will follow the service in Ransom Hall at the church.  Lois will be laid to rest in Brookside Cemetery.

The family suggests donations in her honor be made to the Charlevoix Area Garden Club, Hospice of Michigan or the Charlevoix United Church of Christ.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com