Lois Mae Shake

After over 75 years in Anchorage, Alaska, Lois Mae Shake passed away on November 19, 2024, surrounded by her family. Lois was born on August 22, 1929, to parents Esther "Izora "and Archibald "Pat" Clinton Patterson in Swanton, Ohio. Her family moved to Salida, Colorado where she graduated from Salida High School in 1947. While in Salida she met Robert "Bob" Shake and the two were married in Taos, New Mexico on January 6, 1948. Her Alaska journey started with her arriving in Anchorage as a 19-year-old bride, having never been on an airplane before and by being greeted with -20 degrees below temperatures. Her trip to Alaska was the first stage of a legacy that would not only lead to two generations of her family working on the Alaska Railroad but also enjoyed being part of the Government Hill community where all three of her children and numerous nieces and nephews attended elementary school. As the wife of a conductor on the Alaska Railroad a substantial amount of her time was spent raising her children, something she relished and took immense pride in doing. Whether taking on a moose with a broom to protect her honeysuckle bushes or being there every day to cook three square meals for her family, she never missed a beat! Her work career spanned several decades to include positions at Wilson Village, then at Elmendorf Air Force Base then working at Sears Catalog Department on Government Hill until her transfer to the new Sears Store in Anchorage that opened in 1968. She completed her career working for the Anchorage School District in the food service department where she established numerous friendships that she truly cherished. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Archibald "Pat" & Esther" Izora" Patterson, her brother Howard "Buzz" Patterson and Robert Shake. She is survived by her children, Donna Wills, Patrick "Pat" Shake, (spouse Colleen) and Robert "Bob" Shake, (spouse Patricia), seven grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren: Aaron Wills, (Rylan), Angela Wills, Matthew & Joanna Shake, (Clara & Henry), Ryan & Jessica Ossenkop (Willow & Sterling) Kristen Shake & Nelson Crone, (Lennon) William & Samantha Shake, (Wyatt) and Katherine Shake & Kory Hettrick and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to Legacy Funeral Homes at Kehl's Chapel. Per her request there will be no services.