Lois grew up in Kingman County, graduating from Zenda High School where she was active in several sports. Her favorite was basketball, where she lettered for three years. Lois knew the value of hard work and started earning her own money by the time she was 14 years old. Earl William Gleaves stole her heart, and they were married on December 30, 1950, in Bentonville, Arkansas. They were blessed with three children: Aloah, Kenneth and Dale.
Lois worked as a Lab Technician while Earl was in college in Stillwater, Oklahoma. After moving to Lincoln, NE in 1964 she was a homemaker for several years before starting to work for Harris Labs and later for the Nebraska State Agriculture Labs. After leaving the workforce, she discovered a passion for researching genealogies, completing a book for each side of the family. She also enjoyed writing poems, composing them for special events and family members.
After Earl retired from UNL in 1991 they moved to his hometown of Miami, OK. Lois and Earl were married 44 years, as Earl passed away in 1995. Lois moved back to Nebraska in 1999, where most of her children lived. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and later, great grandchildren. She gave herself the nickname of GG when she became a Great Grandmother. Lois returned to Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln, which she, Earl, and Aloah had joined in 1966, where all three were baptized at the same time. Lois enjoyed her time serving with United Methodist Women for many years. She was also a member of the Woman’s Board of Bryan Health.
Lois is survived by her son, Ken Gleaves (Diane), of Lincoln, NE; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also, her brother, Layle Price of Ada, OK. Lois was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Aloah Gleaves; son, Dale Gleaves; brother, Gale Price; sisters, Wanda Henning and Twila Pohl; infant grandson, Alexander Donald Keese Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln, NE.
Memorials are requested to United Methodist Women.
A graveside service will be held at Ottawa Indian Cemetery in Miami, OK at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28th, 2024.