Lois Langs

As family and friends will certainly attest, Lois Langs truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and she navigated every challenge that came her way with determination and grace. Lois’ greatest treasure in life was her family, and nothing brought her greater joy than being surrounded by her loved ones. Her spirit of compassion allowed her to tenderly care for others, leaving an unforgettable impact on so many. Gone too soon, Lois leaves behind a priceless collection of memories her friends and family will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The early 1940s were tense years, at home in the United States of America and all around the world. The Great Depression still cast a heavy shadow over the nation, and all eyes were fixed overseas as conflicts surrounding WWII continued to intensify. During such a dark time, however, there was a ray of light in the household of Henry and Julia (Pelton) Hinton of Gary, Indiana, as they awaited the arrival of their baby with breathless anticipation. It was on July 18 of 1940 that they were so happy to celebrate the arrival of their baby girl, Lois.

Throughout her childhood, Lois was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. She was one of thirteen siblings, so the Hinton household was always bustling. With so many kids, Lois always had plenty of hand-me-downs. Growing up, Lois’ family moved around quite often, settling down wherever Henry could find work. She didn’t have indoor plumbing in her home until she was a senior in high school. Following her graduation from high school, Lois began working as a secretary at the Federal Center.

Not to be forgotten was the moment when Lois met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was William Langs, and the two first met on a blind date. The two shared an immediate connection, and he fell head over heels in love with their first kiss. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Lois and Bill were united in marriage. Throughout their 66+ years together, their relationship would only grow stronger.

It wasn’t long before Lois’ family began to grow. She and Bill were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Julie, Kevin, and Mark, into their hearts and home. Lois thrived in her role as a mother, and she threw herself into being a full-time mom. She made everything from clothes to cookies with her famous frosting for her kids, doing her best to give them everything she didn’t have growing up. Lois served as a room mother for her children at school. Every morning, she would walk across the street and bring home fresh milk from the neighbor’s cow. Lois supported her kids at every sporting event and special occasion. The Langs family shared a collective love for sports, and trips to watch the Tigers or the Lions play.

Later in life, Lois was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Affectionately known as Grandma Tootsie Roll, she doted on her grandkids and great grandkids whenever she could, and she would always be in the stands cheering at sporting events. Just seeing her family could put a smile on Lois’ face. She always considered herself blessed beyond measure to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Lois joined a group called the Knitwits, an organization dedicated to knitting hats and blankets for those in need in her community. Her daughter, Julie, would later join the group as well. She also made many baby Afghan blankets for friends and her own family. Lois ran a card ministry, sending out countless cards to people she was praying for, friends she was thinking of, and family members who needed to know just how much they were loved. In later years, their son, Mark, started his own business, Langs Auto. Lois and Bill supported their grandson William’s enthusiasm for racing and watched him race every Saturday.

First and foremost, Lois was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She led many others to the Lord, including her own husband, Bill. Lois prayed faithfully and read Scripture every day, often with Bill by her side. Her marriage to Bill modeled love, forgiveness, and faith in Christ. Scotts United Methodist Church was Lois’ church home for many years, and some of her favorite Bible verses included John 21:18 and Psalm 61, which she read every week.

In her free time, Lois enjoyed knitting and crocheting. No matter how much yarn she had stored up, she always needed another color. Lois and Bill loved taking trips up to Frankfort, especially to see the fall colors in October. She loved baking her special Christmas sugar cookies with frosting and made dozens of cookies for Bible school over the years. Lois’ from-scratch recipes were handed down from her mother, and she was so happy to pass them down to her own children and grandchildren. She would often say, “I love you to the moon and back.”

As we gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Lois Langs, it is easy to celebrate a woman who shone so brightly. She exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved, and her kindness and generosity knew no limits. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Lois always made sure to hold her loved ones close. Her willingness to go above and beyond to serve others will never be forgotten. Deeply loved, Lois will be forever cherished.

Lois Langs of Climax, age 85, died on January 18, 2026. Lois was born on July 18, 1940, in Gary, IN to Henry and Julia (Pelton) Hinton. Surviving are her husband: Bill; children: Julie (Ed) Tiller, Kevin (Kim) Langs, Mark (Kathy) of Homer, AK; grandchildren: Jason (Jenni) Tiller, Joshua (Caitlyn) Tiller, Tyler (Janna) Langs, Jordan (Lindsay) Langs, Beau (Britnie) Langs, Janae (Kirk) Gibson, Samantha (Marc) Anderson, William (Anneliese) Langs; great-grandchildren: Colten, Rylee, Everlee, Natalee, Alyse, Bryce, Taylor, Brady, Levi, Grayson, Makayla, Livia, Mason, Myah, Quincee, Jacoby, Trey, William and one more on the way. siblings: Wayne (Maryann) and Joanie; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. No services will be held. Celebrate Lois’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Climax-Scotts Athletic Department. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.