Lois Retzlaff

Lois Grace (Evans) Retzlaff passed away on January 23, 2015 in Chadron, NE. She was born on December 11, 1936 in Gordon, NE to Ted and Marcella Evans. Lois grew up in Gordon, NE. She attended Gordon High School through 10th grade where she met her future husband, Bob Retzlaff. Lois eloped with Bob to Hot Springs,SD in 1954. They shared 60 incredible years of marriage. During her early years of marriage Lois moved with Bob around the area for various ranching jobs, and proved time and again her determined, devoted spirit and work ethic. A favorite story about her involves being chased by a bull when she was 7 months pregnant with Vance. Lois tossed her toddler, Mary, over the fence and vaulted behind her to avoid the bull. Lois would have many years to follow of caring for her children and grandchildren. She was first and foremost an unconditionally loving mother and grandmother. If any child was around, her lap was virtually never empty. Lois and her young family moved numerous times before settling in Clinton, NE in 1967. Locations included several ranches: Pine Ridge, SD; White Clay, NE; Rapid City, SD; and Portland, OR. Never afraid of hard work, Lois took positions working in Reeve's grocery store (White Clay); helped Bob run a gas station (Pine Ridge), a bowling alley and Jumping Eagle Inn (White Clay). She was the much loved lunch lady for the Clinton Dist. 26 school in the '70s. She later worked as a clerk at Shedeed's Wear House (daughter's store), and finished out her working years keeping books at Ag Repair which she and Bob owned from 1990-2009. Lois loved nature. She was always watching out her window for birds and spent many hours planting and tending her flowers and beautiful vegetable garden. Her baked goods were unrivaled, and generously shared with anyone who dropped in for a visit. No one ever left hungry. Lois is survived by her husband Bob of Clinton, NE; her 4 children Mary (Ron) Shedeed of Clinton, NE; Son Vance (Donna) Retzlaff of Chadron, NE; Daughter Marla (Patrick) DeMars of Spokane, WA; Son Verlin (Lori) Retzlaff of Chadron, NE; 13 grandchildren and step grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 4 siblings, Darlene Schwaderer, Edna Mae Ryan, Charles Evans, and Lucreta Burcke. Lois was preceded in death by her parents and brother Dallas Evans. Memorial services will be held at the Chamberlain-Pier Chapel in Gordon, NE on January 31, 2015 at 2 pm. Coffee and dessert will follow the service at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Gordon. A memorial has been established and donations can be sent to Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366 Gordon, NE 69343.

Service:

Saturday January 31, 2015 2:00 PM

Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home Gordon, NE