Lois Pease

Loving, gracious, and kind, Lois Pease lived a life rich in faith and family. Lois embodied the principles of her faith, embracing every day as a gift and every person as a friend. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like creating a warm and welcoming home, cooking a great meal, taking a ride with her beloved, and cheering on her loved one's endeavors. Lois' warm smile and generous heart made everyone feel at home. In her good company, joys were elevated, and hardships lessened. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Lois will long be remembered and so dearly missed.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, the power of hope undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as Nathan and Hattie (Fryling) Weed welcomed their daughter Lois on June 23, 1936. Her parents created their home on Christian and old-fashioned values.

Raised on a farm, Lois was taught the virtues of hard work at an early age as she was expected to help with chores including milking cows and tending crops. One thing that she spoke of frequently was raising and harvesting pickles, of which she shared in the earnings. One thing she decided during these early years was how wonderful it would be if she could only live in the city. One of her kid’s favorite memories come from Lois’ quaint upbringing including her schooling in a one-room schoolhouse in Texas Township…and they really did walk both ways no matter the conditions. In high school, she was involved in many activities, but she spoke most frequently of her days as a cheerleader and her willingness to tackle the bass drum in marching band despite her small frame.

In time, Lois married Bob Pease and found the village of Lawton big enough of a “city” for her to settle in and raise their three children. Lois devoted herself to creating a loving and supportive home. She was sure to share ALL of her life lessons with her kids although she insists they weren’t lectures. She was the epitome of a mama bear and she often used that to advocate on behalf of her family. This includes calling the school superintendent and setting him straight on Lori’s senior skip day or at sporting events when she needed to make sure the coach could hear her as she reached out from the stands. But all these events paled in comparison to the way she and Bob fought to ensure their youngest daughter Jill's special needs were met.

In 1982, tragedy struck the Pease home as Lois and Bob were confronted with their dear daughter Jill’s leukemia diagnosis. After a long 2+ year battle, Jill went home to be with her Lord and Savior and was laid to rest in February 1984. As Lois worked to overcome her heartache, she finally found her way out of the valley through support and love from her family and friends and through activities that helped take her mind off her loss. Ultimately her crafting hobby allowed her an everyday avenue to stay busy. That hobby later turned into a full-time business and led her and Bob to purchase a home that they remodeled, transforming it into Home Sweet Home Craft Shop.

Though a family of limited means, Lois and Bob were exceptional at maximizing what they did have. Lois masterfully squirreled away money to take a vacation every few years, including trips to Florida in the motorhome, Smokey Mountains, the U.P., and Washington, D.C.

One of Lois’ guilty pleasures were her trips to the casino where she would spend time with her friends and sisters. Once cell phones became common and Lois began to carry one, she could never manage to get the messages off her phone. Her kids joked that they should put a quarter slot on it because she had no problem working those! Lois possessed a gift for hospitality and knew how to create inviting spaces for visitors. She made sure they had everything they needed, especially fantastic meals. She was an excellent cook; her Swiss steak tradition has been handed down through the family. Family taco parties, when the extended family came together, proved epic and memorable as well. Holidays were always full of excitement and stories. Lois made sure they were over-the-top awesome! She even had a Hawaiian themed Christmas once.

While life had toughened her, Lois never lost her love of caring for her family at each turn. From moving in with Jill during her long hospital stays, to her complete dedication to her beloved husband during his multi-year battle with dementia. Lois turned to her faith and love of family to find comfort and hope during these tough times. Lois was a natural mother and grandmother who was happiest in the good company of her family. Even when faced with dementia herself, she nurtured each of her loved ones with great care and a deep connection. Though she struggled to remember her family fully, Lois was always delighted to share time with them. Somehow, to the amazement of everyone, her fingers never forgot how to move across the ivory keys of the piano. Her caregivers, with great foresight, put price tags on the bottom of Lois’ own belongings. In this way, she could still satisfy her need to shop and find a bargain.

Cherished by all who were blessed to know her, Lois was an inspiration and delight. Her legacy of love and hospitality will be proudly carried forward by those she so dearly loved. In every moment that we gather for taco night, listen to a classic hymn, go shopping, play the slots, or indulge in a delicious Swiss steak, we celebrate the many ways Lois blessed our lives. In this way, we keep her spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired us.

Lois Pease, of Lawton, age 86, died on March 5, 2023. Lois was born June 23, 1936, in Kalamazoo, MI, to Nathan and Hattie (Fryling) Weed, who precede her in death along with her husband, Bob; their daughter, Jill; and siblings: Dolores Lawson and Sheldon Weed. Surviving are her children: Lori Atwater and Todd (Connie) Pease; grandchildren: Courtney (Nick) Buckmaster, Luke (Gina) Atwater, Molly Atwater, Tyler Pease, Alex Pease, and Rachel Pease; great-grandchildren: Charlie, Evelyn, Reese, and Cade; siblings: Barb Whipple and Linda (Steven) Stozicki; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Sunday, March 12, from 2-4 PM at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M40, Paw Paw (269) 657-3870. A funeral service will be held Monday, March 13 at 11 AM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 63855 M-40, Lawton. A luncheon will follow with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. Visit Lois' webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan.