Lois Farness

In Loving Memory of Lois Farness
May 24, 1933 - July 15, 2023
Lois Farness peacefully passed away on July 15, 2023, near her home in Flower Mound, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was 90 years old. Born on May 24, 1933, in Belleville, Michigan, Lois was a cherished daughter of Russell and Inga Cooper.
Lois graduated from Coldwater High School in 1951. In 1955, Lois graduated from St. Olaf College with a double major in speech and psychology and a minor in sociology. While at St. Olaf, Lois won numerous awards and championships in speech and debate as well as the heart of her eventual husband of 64 years William Farness. While raising three children, Lois continued her academic pursuits and earned a Master's Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. Lois shared her passion for language and literacy with countless students as an English teacher at both the high school and college levels.
While Lois found fulfillment in her professional endeavors, her most treasured times were when she was with her family, sharing in their milestones, achievements, and spending quality time together. When not with her family, you could find her playing bridge, socializing with friends or with a book in her hand.
Volunteerism held a special place in Lois's heart, and she dedicated a significant portion of her life to various charitable causes. As President of the American Association of University Women in San Ramon, CA, she organized successful fundraisers to provide books for the new city library, earning recognition as San Ramon's Citizen of the Year and receiving the Soroptomists' annual Woman of Distinction Award. She also served as Coordinator of the Women in Politics Seminar, President of the San Ramon Library Foundation, Chair of the Mayor's Council on Literacy, and Volunteer of the Year for AAUW, San Ramon. She was particularly passionate about empowering young women, organizing events that promoted math and science education for middle school and high school girls.
Lois Farness will forever be remembered as an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, and her sister, Joyce Waltke. She is survived by her children, Beverly (Walt) Beesley, Jim (Melissa) Farness, and Sandy (David) Slater; her cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Jason) Doorish, Chris (Lexi) Beesley, Angelina (Eric) Murray, Ryan Slater, Hayley Slater, Megan Farness, and Alexander Farness; as well as her great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Wade, and Anri.
Services celebrating Lois's life will be held at the Scandinavian Prairie Church in Bloomer, Wisconsin at a later date. This church carries significant meaning as it was constructed by her grandfather on a corner of his farm over 150 years ago. Lois and Bill were married at this church in 1955. Here she will find eternal rest beside her late husband, mother, father, sister, aunts, and uncles.
Lois Farness leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication. Her spirit will forever guide and inspire those whose lives she touched. May she find eternal peace in the embrace of her loved ones who have gone before her.
Forever remembered, forever loved.