A woman of devout faith, Lois J. Smith, age 87, of Morral and formerly of Marion, died peacefully at home while reading her daily devotions, Sunday afternoon, October 12, 2014.
On October 22, 1926, Lois was born in Marion, Ohio, the third of six children of the late James Earl and Rosa Viola (Sabins) Coulson. She graduated from Marion Harding High School.
Shortly following her graduation from White Cross Hospital as a registered nurse, Lois married Paul W. Smith on September 2, 1949, at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Marion. Together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage and lovingly raised two children: William and Susan. He preceded her in death on January 22, 1998.
Lois worked for several years at Marion General Hospital, until she felt she was needed at home to both raise her children and help Paul on the family farm. She would prep the fields during the day, so he could plant at night when he got home from his carpentry and millwright work. Then, when her children were in high school, she returned to Marion General Hospital as a nurse in their nursery, caring for hundreds of newborns.
Dedicated to her church, Lois was a 60 year member of the Meeker United Methodist Church, where she was active on various committees and held numerous leadership roles.
Always keeping busy, one of Lois’ favorite pastimes was watching sports while crocheting and doing cross-stitch. She loved making afghans for her family and gifts to give her granddaughters. She also was an excellent cook and candy maker.
The matriarch of the family, Lois was a strong caregiver for her family and was always there for them. She will forever be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend.
Left to cherish her memory are her two children: William (Denice) Smith of Colleyville, Texas, and Susan (Tom) Brown of Morral; five granddaughters: Stephanie (Patrick) Williams, Ashley (Jason) Upton, Mandy (Eric) Baker, Megan (Matt) Bond, and Melissa (Kevan) Murphy; six great-grandchildren: Jackson, Matthew, and Brooklyn Williams, Madison and Katelyn Upton, and Anna Bond; a brother, C. Richard Coulson of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Lois was preceded in death by three brothers: James S., Ronald and Robert Coulson; and a sister, Loretta Coulson.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will also be held there at 11 a.m. on Thursday, with Rev. Dan Kiger and Rev. Ben Shaeffer officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marion Community Foundation in Lois’ name, 504 S. State St., Marion, OH 43302 and Joyce’s Angels, 277 Kensington Place, Marion, OH 43302.
Her family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to her loving caregiver and friend, Julie, from Joyce’s Angels.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Lois’ family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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