Lois J. Schweitzer

June 1, 1926 – Aug. 31, 2022

Posted

Lois Jene (Miller) Schweitzer, of Crete, formerly of Friend, went to her heavenly home on Aug. 31, 2022, in Crete, at the Tabitha Douglas House at the age of 96.

Lois was born in Milford on June 1, 1926, to Milo and Mabel (Beckler) Miller, the oldest of four children. After attending various elementary schools, Lois graduated from Milford High School in 1943.

In 1945, Lois married Merlin Schweitzer, and they enjoyed 61 years together before Merlin’s death in September 2006. To this union, two daughters were born, Carolyn and Shirley. While Merlin was in the service, they resided in Colorado before making their home on a farm near Friend. Lois was a homemaker and farm wife, helping with chores, fieldwork and gardening. Lois was known for her hospitality, delicious cooking and love for her family near and far.

Lois was a long-time member of Bellwood Mennonite Church in Milford, where she taught Sunday School, Bible School and participated in the Women’s Sewing Circle. She was baptized upon her confession of faith at East Fairview Mennonite Church in 1940. Lois spent many hours reading her Bible and appreciated hearing and studying her devotions until the very end of her life.

Lois served on the Friendship Terrace Board in Friend for 12 years and as a board member and volunteer at the Et Cetera MCC Thrift Shop in Seward for many years. She was widely known for her gift of sending cards and writing encouraging notes to family and friends. Lois and Merlin attended countless games, concerts and other activities for their grandchildren growing up. Known by her great-grandchildren as Grandma Great, she could always be counted on for a lemon drop, chilled glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade or a peeled and sliced peach.

Lois is survived by her daughters, Carolyn and Dennis Peters, Lincoln, and Shirley and Keith Spohn, Friend. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Corey Peters, Los Angeles, Derek and Jennifer Peters, Plattsmouth, Chad and Kim Spohn, Lincoln, Scott and Katie Spohn, Friend, Todd and Mandy Spohn, Lincoln, and Stephanie and Nick Svehla, Friend; 17 great-grandchildren; special friends, Fred and Cathy Schlegel and their family; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merlin, brother and sister-in-law, Clyde and Yvonne Miller; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dora and Ed Stauffer, and Joyce and Tom Reed. Also preceding her in death were her in-laws, Leonard and June Schweitzer, Alvera and Allen Stutzman, Cleve and Betty Schweitzer and Wilton and Arvilla Schweitzer.

A memorial service was Sept. 4 at Bellwood Mennonite Church, Milford, with burial at Andrews Cemetery, Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bellwood Mennonite Church and Tabitha Healthcare Services. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.lauberfh.com.