Lois M. Naftzger age 97 of Clinton, passed away Tuesday Jan. 21, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral service will be held Tuesday 11:00 AM Jan. 28th at the Pape Funeral Home. Visitation will be 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial at Lusk Cemetery in Albany, IL. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Lois was born to Benjamen and Grace (Shannon) Taylor, on March 23, 1927 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the second born of four girls and one boy. She met her husband Robert in California, on leave from the Air Force. Bob proposed and they moved back to Albany Illinois to live with Bob’s family. Lois and Bob moved to Clinton shortly after and had five children Diane Naftzger (Johnson) Doyle Naftzger, Barbara Naftzger (Petersen) Thomas Naftzger, who passed at birth and Teresa Naftzger, who passed tragically as a child, after being struck by a car at 7 years old. The family was devastated by the loss of Teresa and extremely saddened when son Doyle passed away in 1990 at the age of 42. In 1995, sadly Bob passed at age 69.
Lois persevered and was a hard worker. She worked as a cashier at Steiners Food Market and Jewel-Osco. After retirement she had a large vibrant garden that she tended to. She spent her time taking care of her home, gardening, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren. She became a member of First Congregational Church and was baptized and confirmed. Lois will be remembered as an example of strength to her children and grandchildren, great and great great. Even at the blessed age of 97 she was sharp as ever. It is with sadness that we must say goodbye to our beloved Lois.
Lois is survived by her daughters, Diane (and Sid) Johnson, of Thomson, IL. and Barbara (and Stan) Petersen of Clinton, Iowa; 7 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Marjorie Williams of Vacaville, CA. Lois was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, and three of her children, Doyle, Thomas, and Teresa, also grandson, Joseph Naftzger. And recently, grandson Jeffrey Naftzger, who she had a special bond with, and two of her sisters and brother. Thank you, Lois, we love you, until we meet again.
