Lois A. Kretsch-Gemmill

I loved her

For awhile there before the pandemic, about once a year, Eldon and Lois would make the drive to the Eastern Shore for lunch with me and friends-Eldon´s old University of Maryland roommate, for instance. On one occasion, I remember Lois showed up with the most delicious assortment of homemade cookies, brought in a most beautifully wrapped tin. The tin was a lovely addition, much admired but unnecessary, considering how quickly the cookies were polished off!

Lois and I met at age 20 when we and approximately 150 other student nurses entered clinical training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. We became friends and companions sharing numerous adventures I will never forget - especially activities with the Outing Club at the University of Maryland. I remember her blond curly hair, welcoming smile, delightful and sometimes mischievous laughter, and tremendously vivacious personality.
Her energy and talents were amazing even as a young woman.
It was obvious that her marriage to Eldon in 1972 was an ideal match from the very beginning; her creativity and home-making skills served the family so well in their farm years in West Virginia. Her career as a nurse anesthetist was a perfect fit. She told me , "I love putting people to sleep!" It was obvious she really did find deep challenge and satisfaction in her work. Her absence will be keenly felt by so many who loved and admired her.

I have known Lois and Eldon since 1980. She has been an inspiration to me for her skill and dedication -in quilting- in family love -and in professional dedication. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. I will share her story to those who didn´t know her as well as I was able - and tell about her skills she so willingly shared with me.!

I will remember and miss her straight forward & honest conversations, her intelligence & integrity and her stories. A fine seamstress and adventurer. I always enjoyed seeing what she was working on each time we would meet at our 'Library Bees'. You left too soon my friend! You are missed.

Lois was so generous with her friendship, time, and fabric. I will always admire her skill with applique. One time I needed about 1/4 yd of a fabric that was out of print. After searching her stash for several days, she called to say that she had 2, 10" squares. We met in a rural parking lot, under cover of dark, to make the "deal"! Thank you for your spirit, Lois!

Lois always had a smile for all she encountered. She will be sorely missed.
Libi Driggers