Lois Benning Sheckells

On May 22, 2025, Lois Benning Sheckells, passed away at the age of 92. Devoted wife of the late John Hugh Sheckells, she is survived by her sons, J. Gary Sheckells (Sarah) and Michael K. Sheckells (Joan); six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Lois is proceeded in death by her father, Robert H. Benning and mother, Josephine Moreland Benning.
Lois grew up in Galesville, Maryland and graduated from Southern Senior High, Lothian, in 1950. Later that year she married John, they moved to Dares Beach, Calvert County where they began planning to build a new home in Galesville. In 1958, they moved into their new home in the "village" where she enjoyed living in a picturesque waterfront community with family and friends. She was an active member of the Galesville United Methodist Church, sang in the choir and participated in the young adult group, "Live Wires." As a homemaker she was known for her wonderful dinners, Maryland style crab cake picnics and hard jelly cakes. One of Lois' fondest memories was sitting on her mother's front porch with her sisters Frieda and Roberta, waving and talking to people as they passed by on Benning Road. They became known affectionately as the "Porch Ladies."
In 2005, John and Lois moved to Davenport, Florida, where they enjoyed their retirement years in the warm sunshine. While living there, they participated in numerous community activities and made many new friends. Hosting family and friends from out of town, having dinner parties, bingo and visiting Disney kept her busy for many years. In April of 2024, Lois moved back to Maryland, happy to be home again with family and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be coordinated by Hardesty Funeral Home of Galesville with the funeral held at Galesville United Methodist Church on May 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Internment will be immediately after at Woodfield Cemetery in Galesville, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.