Lois Marie Steggs, her life’s work finally and fully completed, departed this world for the next on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at the age of 86.
Born March 2, 1935, Lois was the youngest of Art and Geraldine (Clark) Meinke’s three daughters. Lois learned early on the value and the joy of hard work on the family farm just north of Friend, a lesson that she carried with her to the very end. She loved to be outside, whether gardening, mowing, watering trees, or, in years past, caring for chickens and working in the field. However, she was equally happy and industrious inside the home: canning garden produce, sewing clothes, cooking and baking her signature chocolate cake for many grateful family and friends.
As much as she enjoyed working, Lois never forgot to savor life to the fullest. She loved spending time with family most of all, whether drinking coffee one-on-one at the kitchen table or with a house full of holiday cheer. Lois and husband, Mel, were enthusiastic square dancers and frequent campers. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Lois derived great joy from honoring and praising her Lord in the church choir. In addition to the noisy action of a NASCAR race, Lois enjoyed quieter pursuits, such as reading a good book or resting her eyes in her favorite recliner. A Nebraskan by birth and by choice, Lois taught all who love her and now miss her what the good life is all about.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Marilyn Gifford; a daughter-in-law, Terri Steggs; and a son-in-law, C.L. Grumbles.
She is survived by her sister, Jean Godaert of Albany, Oregon; loving and much-loved husband Mel of York; son, Steve (Barb) Buller of Elkhorn; son, Bob Buller of Loveland, Colorado; daughter, Sherry (Joe) Olney of Aurora; step-son, Mike (Sherry) Steggs of Slayton, Texas; step-daughter, Robyn (C.L.) Grumbles of Odessa, Texas; step-son, Scott (Stacy) Steggs of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren, Tammy (Tad) Johnson, Aubrey Buller, Sydney (Paul) Penke, Brooke Buller, Byron (Cassie) Hedrick, Whitney (Ben) Dibbern, Mindee Hedrick, Heather Breece, Trey Breece, Brian Dodson, Brione Dodson, Blake Dodson, Beau (DaNeen) Dodson and Katrina Ann Steggs; 32 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
A private service was April 12 with inurnment at the Andrew Cemetery at Friend. Condolences may be sent to her family at www.metzmortuary.com.
