Lois M. Lane

Lois M. Lane, 95, is pleased to announce a change of address. She now resides with the Glorious Father Almighty. Lois, a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, slipped peacefully into the Lord’s arms on October 12, 2023 at the Dells Nursing & Rehab Center in Dell Rapids, surrounded by her devoted daughters.

Lois was born December 25, 1927, in Chester, SD, to Harlow and Astrid (Nelson) Cramer. She attended school in Chester, SD, and was married to Hampton W. Lane on 2/22/1947, and to this union was born five children, Lari Kooi (George) Sioux Falls, Mike (Kelli) Portland, OR, Bill (Mary) Honolulu, HI, Becky Lane (Paul Kringen) Brandon, SD and James (Jamie). 

Lois was a woman ahead of her time. Her goals and interests were diverse. She had a solid strut about her, which some would call commanding. In 1969, the family moved to Rock Rapids, IA, where she owned and operated the Lanes Café for 28 years. The year 1997 found her relocating to an acreage just outside of Chester, SD, where she once again accepted a new challenge, chief agriculturist. In addition, she befriended a colony of salamanders who aided in soil enhancement and provided hours of delight to grandchildren. 

Lois, a senior herself, became a Senior Companion in 2014, caring for and serving over 70 clients for 28 years. She retired at the age of 90 when she decided that it was too much driving in the winters. Many of her clients were younger than she and much better drivers. Bridge was her game of choice, which she played for 27 years in Rock Rapids, IA, Chester, SD and Sioux Falls, SD.

Lois was very involved in her church, Chester Methodist, until she moved into congregate living in Dell Rapids in 2019. Her faith was such an integral part of her life and she lived it daily. In her later years as she was not able to physically serve in the church, she became such a faithful prayer warrior for all who needed prayer.

Lois is survived by her children, Lari, Mike, Bill, Becky, and special son, John Tobin, 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, her siblings, Jean Engedahl, Carlene Fritz, Ken Cramer and Phillip Cramer (Joan). 

She is preceded in death by her parents Harlow and Astrid Cramer, one son, James, and granddaughter, Jessica. 

Her passing is a loss to the world, but a gain to Heaven. Who knows; God may have even greeted her with, “About time you got here!” 

Memorial service will be 11 am, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at the Chester United Methodist Church, family inurnment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Chester. Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Thursday, at the  Ellsworth Funeral Home.    www.ellsworthfh.com

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