ROCHESTER - Mary Lois Doud, 87, of 1201 Jackson Blvd., Rochester, passed away at 8:10 a.m. Feb. 16, 2011, at Life Care Center of Rochester.
She was born in Kewanna on Jan. 6, 1924, to Samuel and Icy Garst Lamb. On Oct. 17, 1943, in Kewanna, she married Gerald E. Doud, who died Dec. 19, 1987.
She grew up as one of seven children, sharing her childhood with four sisters and two brothers. Lois graduated Kewanna High School in 1942, and had lived most of her life in Fulton County.
Over the years, Lois and Gerald operated a dairy farm, overseeing a fine herd of Holsteins. They farmed wheat, soybeans and corn. She was focused on caring for the boys, vital book keeping of the farms records and, of course, preparations of the delicious meals for hired hands during the harvest and planting seasons.
She enjoyed volunteering and was a dedicated member of the Woodlawn Hospital Gray Ladies and the Fulton County Council on Aging RSVP for many years. A devoted member of the lodges, Lois was always in the thick of things at the Eagles, Moose and the American Legion Women's Auxiliary. She was a loyal member of the Talma United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. As a homemaker, she enjoyed the friendships of Talma Home Ec Club. She was a faithful party member to the Republican women.
Enjoying travel, Lois visited all 50 states, with Branson, Mo., being her favorite destination. Winter brought the crimson and cream to the hardwoods. She would always be in her favorite recliner cheering wildly for the I.U. basketball team, especially during the Bobby Knight era. She and friend Bettye King once wandered Assembly Hall and were photographed courtside with a couple of their favorite players, following another victory. Lois is remembered for the preparations of the family feasts of the holidays and special occasions. She was best known for her beef and noodles and a variety of pies. As the matriarch to four generations, she was a proud grandma to her grandchildren and the great-grandkids, always supporting all their endeavored.
Lois is lovingly remembered by a son, James (and spouse Bonnie) Doud, Akron; six grandchildren: Rickell (and spouse Duane) Kline, and Jenny (and spouse Todd) Nelson, all of Claypool; Tim (and spouse Misti) Doud, Plymouth; Rhonda (and spouse Aaron) Ramsey, and Matthew Doud, all of Akron; and Jamie (and spouse Jeremy) Yates, Kendallville; seven great-grandchildren: Kara, Kendra and Kaleb Kline, Grant and Sidney Nelson; and Katie and Ellie Doud; a sister-in-law, Tilly Lamb, Kewanna; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Richard Doud, who died in 1971; four sisters: Dorothy Chizum, Isabel Brockey, Mildred Brockey, Bernice Falconer; and two brothers, Frank and Marion Lamb.
A celebration of the life of Mary Lois Doud will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Rev. Duane Kline officiating.
Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. today, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
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Memorials may be made to the Talma United Methodist Church or Hope Hospice. Burial will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family via goodfamily@rtcol.com
