Lois Jean Brittenham

A resident of Yuba City, CA, passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at her home holding the hands of her beloved daughters. She was 67. The funeral was held at St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Yuba City, with Father Martin officiating. A luncheon followed at the church. Memorials will be distributed to Lois's favorite charities. She was born on September 5, 1943 in Glasgow, MT to Vivian Ostert (Morin) of Spokane, WA and the late Earl Stillar. Her childhood was spent primarily in Ulm and Cascade, MT and in 1961 she graduated from Cascade High School as the valedictorian. After school, she attended the University of Montana in Bozeman where she met and married Lee Brittenham in 1962. Within a few years, they had two daughters; Lee Ann and Lisa and their family was complete. Over the years, the family lived in Hood River, OR, Madison, WI, LaCrescent, MN, Winona, MN and in 1989 they moved to Yuba City. Lois graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse in 1984. She later received her master's degree from the University of Minnesota. Lois and Lee divorced in the early 1990's and Lois spent the rest of her life in Yuba City. Lois participated in the California Reading Association, the California Retired Teachers Association, she joined Delta Kappa Gamma in 2006 where made many cherished friends and served as the international area secretary for the Beta Omega chapter. Reflecting on her compassion, she volunteered for the Food Locker at St. Isidore's Parish, the Women's Friend, Helping Hands and the American Cancer Society. She became a facilitator for the Beginning Experience ministry, a group to assist people who have suffered through a divorce. Survivors include her mother, Vivian Ostert of Spokane, WA, her daughters, Lee Ann (Scott) Finn of LaCrescent, MN and Lisa Bergman of Soap Lake, WA. Five sisters and two brothers; Earlene Moore of Spokane, WA, Denise Schmitz of Williston, ND, Charlene (Dale) Stenson of Spokane, WA, Lotta (Don) Pearl of Sequim, WA, Charles Stillar of Spokane, WA, Cheri (Roger Marmon) Stillar of Seven Bays, WA and Rick (Cheryl) Stillar of Nine Mile Falls, WA. She has ten grandchildren; Daniel, Elijah, Gabriel, Noah, Isaac, Emmalee, Tara, Alex and Leah and two great grandchildren; Tori and Bailey. Her grandson LeRoy preceded her in death and met her at heaven's gates. She also enjoyed the company of her dog Cocoa over the last few years of her life. When Lois was first diagnosed with cancer her family was concerned that she was alone in Yuba City. That concern was quickly dismissed as a cadre of cherished and devoted friends surrounded her with love and countless acts of service proving that she indeed had family in Yuba City. How lovely is your dwelling place (psalm 84:1). One of her passions was travel and over the last several years of her life she traveled all over the world including Israel where she walked the streets where Jesus walked. She will now spend eternity walking with Him. Send Condolences at www.appealdemocrat.com