Lois attended Eagle Consolidated School and was made an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska upon her graduation. She then attended Lincoln School of Commerce where she earned a certificate in bookkeeping and polished her secretarial skills.
Lois and Andy, her high-school sweetheart, were married in Eagle in 1949 and made their home in Lincoln. They had six children: two boys, two girls, and then twin girls. When the children were old enough, she returned to a part-time position at Union Loan & Savings. Thus began her career in banking. She held positions as secretary to loan officers, opening new accounts, executive secretary, and mortgage loan officer at Union Loan and Commercial Federal, then retired as a branch manager at Occidental Nebraska. She loved working with customers.
After retiring in 1991, she and Andy purchased a winter home in a retirement community in Alamo, Texas. They became active in a church choir there and she became the choir accompanist and church pianist. She also led a line-dance class.
Her loves were Jesus, her family, and music. She loved playing piano and singing, and had a beautiful soprano voice. She was a member of Havelock United Methodist Church since 1956, where she sang in the choir for years, directed the children’s choir at times, sang with a group of friends in the Gospel Ensemble, and served in many other capacities.
Her other passion was for chocolate. Peanut M&M’s, Baker’s chocolates, or peanut clusters were always on hand. She was also known for her homemade ice cream and chocolate “goop.” Her special gift was being a good listener. People were drawn to her because she listened and truly cared for them.
She is survived by her children Rick Anderson, Pam (Tom) Hammond, Sandy Anderson, and Karen Shanks (Mark Johnson); nine grandchildren: Kevin, Doug, Curtis, Whitney, Kirstie, Brennan, Kolby, Graham and Taylor; and 24 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, one cousin, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard (Andy), two children, Ron Anderson and Karla Geist, and her parents and siblings.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday (11-4-22) Havelock United Methodist Church, 4140 N. 60th Street.
Memorials to Havelock United Methodist Church or The Cat House.