Lois Neidert

When reflecting on the life of Lois Neidert, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was a shining example of kindness and selflessness, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Nothing brought Lois greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. Her family was the focus of her life, and she faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination. Deeply loved, Lois will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

In the late 1940s, the United States of America was at last making the shift from a nation of war to a nation of peace after the turmoil of WWII. Rationing was no longer in place, and the baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time that Alvin and Ruth Huntsman of Moundsville, West Virginia, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby. On July 6, 1949, they welcomed their daughter, Lois, into the world.

Growing up, Lois was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home in Moundsville which happened to be across the street from a prison. Lois’ father, Alvin worked as an electrician while her mother, Ruth, was a school teacher. Later on, the Huntsman family moved to a new house that her father and grandfather built on a hill so that Alvin could pursue his passion for HAM radio. In 1964, the family was dealt a devastating blow when Lois’ father passed away, but she and her mother grew to be even closer after their loss. Lois attended local schools and graduated from Moundsville High School in 1967, ready to move on to bigger and better things. She then pursued a bachelor’s degree at West Liberty University and went on to receive her master’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1976.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Lois as she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Gary Neidert, and the two first met when Lois was involved in a trampoline accident and Gary brought her to the hospital. There was an instant connection between them. Though Lois’ mother, Ruth, didn’t initially approve of Gary and his shoulder-length “hippy” hair, she quickly grew to love him just as much as Lois did. Gary would often serenade Lois with his guitar. The two were inseparable from the very beginning of their relationship. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Lois and Gary were married in the presence of family and friends on June 30, 1973, stepping into their bright future as husband and wife. They would go on to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023.

All who knew Lois can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Gary were overjoyed to welcome their first child, Adam, in 1978, followed by their daughter, Erin, in 1982. Lois thrived in her role as a mother and instilled in her children the importance of hard work, kindness, and a good education. She attended every sporting event or activity, even if that meant sitting in the cold while Adam and Erin played hockey and ice skated, and she was always willing to sew a patch on a Boy Scout uniform or help fundraise for the ice skating program. Holidays were spent decking the house out with decorations and spending time with family. Later in life, Lois was thrilled to become a grandmother to Grace, Audrey, and Elle. She welcomed a grand-stepson, Parker, into her family as well. Lois adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. She always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Lois’ teaching career was so much more than a career. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and first began teaching at Sherrard Jr. High School. After settling down in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Lois began working with Kalamazoo Public Schools, teaching alternative and adult education. Her true passion in life was serving those who were in need and forming deep and personal relationships with her students. Lois was also able to build strong friendships with many of her coworkers throughout her career. She was honored to be able to serve her community and help the vulnerable.

Never one to sit still for long, Lois pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She and Gary both took great pride in their home, and their beautiful garden was featured in many garden tours and even the American Hosta Society’s Hosta Tour in 2021. Lois and Gary enjoyed traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona, to visit their daughter, Erin, and her family. While in Scottsdale, they would also make trips to botanical gardens and Sedona. Lois was known for her many collections. She loved playing Euchre with friends, and her favorite restaurant was The Roadhouse in Kalamazoo, where she was a VIP member. Lois enjoyed listening to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Tracy Chapman, and the Highwaymen. In the late 1990s, she converted to Catholicism and joined Gary as a parishioner at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church. For many years, Lois and Gary were active within the St. Thomas community, which brought so much peace into their lives.

As family and friends can certainly attest, Lois Neidert 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 was never afraid to speak her mind. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Lois was a friend to many and beloved by all. She was devoted to her family and her community, and she poured her heart and soul into all that she did. Though she will be dearly missed, Lois leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Lois died on Friday, March 8, 2024 in Ann Arbor where she and Gary had been living. She is survived by her husband Gary; 2 children: Adam (Sarah) Neidert and Erin (Matt) Keller; 4 grandchildren: Grace, Audrey, Elle, and Parker; a brother Jack also survives. Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Thursday, March 21 from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass will be held Friday, March 22, at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas More Parish, 401 Monroe St., Kalamazoo. A reception where food, drinks, and stories will be shared will be held back at the funeral home following Mass. Visit Lois’ webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.