Lois Marie Steggs, her life’s work finally and fully completed, departed this world for the next on Wednesday, 7 April 2021, at the age of 86.
Born 2 March 1935, Lois was the youngest of Art and Geraldine Clark Meinke’s three daughters. Lois learned early on the value and the joy of hard work on the family farm just north of Friend, Nebraska, a lesson that she carried with her to the very end. She loved to be outside, whether gardening, mowing, watering trees, or, in years past, caring for chickens and working in the field. However, she was equally happy and industrious inside the home: canning garden produce, sewing clothes, cooking, and baking her signature chocolate cake for many grateful family and friends.
As much as she enjoyed working, Lois never forgot to savor life to the fullest. She loved spending time with family most of all, whether drinking coffee one on one at the kitchen table or with a house full of holiday cheer. Lois and husband Mel were enthusiastic square dancers and frequent campers. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Lois derived great joy from honoring and praising her Lord in the church choir. In addition to the noisy action of a NASCAR race, Lois enjoyed quieter pursuits, such as reading a good book or resting her eyes in her favorite recliner. A Nebraskan by birth and by choice, Lois taught all who love her and now miss her what the good life is all about.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Marilyn Gifford; a daughter-in-law, Terri Steggs; and a son-in-law, C.L. Grumbles.
She is survived by her sister Jean Godaert of Albany, Oregon; loving and much-loved husband Mel of York; son Steve (Barb) Buller of Elkhorn; son Bob Buller of Loveland, Colorado; daughter Sherry (Joe) Olney of Aurora; step-son Mike (Sherry) Steggs of Slayton, Texas; step-daughter Robyn (C.L.) Grumbles of Odessa, Texas; step-son Scott (Stacy) Steggs of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren Tammy (Tad) Johnson, Aubrey Buller, Sydney (Paul) Penke, Brooke Buller, Byron (Cassie) Hedrick, Whitney (Ben) Dibbern, Mindee Hedrick, Heather Breece, Trey Breece, Brian Dodson, Brione Dodson, Blake Dodson, Beau (DaNeen) Dodson, and Katrina Ann Steggs; thirty-two great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Family will remember Lois and celebrate her life at a private service on Monday, April 12, 2021. Lois has been cremated so there will be no viewing or visitation. Inurnment will be in the Andrew Cemetery at Friend, Nebraska. Condolences may be sent to her family at www.metzmortuary.com
Metz Mortuary in York is handling arrangements.