Lois Elizabeth Widder

On January 30th, Lois Widder passed on to her eternal home with Jesus. She was two months from her 91st birthday.
Lois Elizabeth King was born to Elvyn and Frances King in Sturgis, Michigan on April 1, 1934, Easter morning. She was the fourth of five children.
Sturgis was home for Lois until leaving for college. She was active in the Plymouth Brethren church during her time in Sturgis. She worked for the local pharmacist as well as being a housekeeper for the local doctor. The housekeeping skills she gained were later passed onto her three girls.
After graduating from high school, she went to a college in Kentucky for her first year. She then transferred to Northwestern College in Minnesota. There she majored in Christian Education. While being a member of the cheerleading squad, she met a young man named Wayne Widder who was also a cheerleader. Lois graduated from Northwestern in 1957 with a degree in Christian Education.
In August of 1957, Lois and Wayne were married. They moved to Dallas for Wayne to pursue his degree at Dallas Theological Seminary. While Wayne was in school, Lois taught 4th grade in a local Christian school. Wayne graduated from Seminary in 1961.
Upon graduation, Wayne and Lois moved to San Antonio where he accepted a call to be the pastor at Wayside Chapel Evangelical Free Church. They welcomed their first child, Patricia, in 1961. Two years later, Brenda joined the family.
In 1965, Wayne accepted a teaching position at Fort Wayne Bible College and the family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. While in Fort Wayne, their third daughter, Donna, was born.
Through the years in Fort Wayne, Lois found great joy in miscellaneous clubs and volunteer endeavors, such as Christian Women's Club, Bible studies, and Fort Wayne Christian School activities. During this time, she also finished her elementary education degree at Fort Wayne Bible College.
In 1979, Wayne accepted a position at Moody Bible Institute and the family moved to Wheaton, Illinois. Lois began teaching 5th grade at Wheaton Christian Grammar School in 1980. She is remembered for her smile, her love of her students, and the importance she placed on the teaching about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
After nearly 17 years, Lois and Wayne retired and had time to enjoy their time at their summer house on Lake Sommerset with their many grandchildren.
Lois is survived by her husband of 67 years, Wayne, three daughters – Patricia of Wheaton, Brenda (Steve) of Wheaton, and Donna (Greg) of Austin, Texas, 11 grandchildren as well as 7 great-grandsons.
She would want to give praise to God for the privilege of being in the family of God, for her dear family, and for the wonderful family of friends who loved, supported, and encouraged her through her happy, joyous, God-blessed journey here on earth.
Service will be held at College Church, Washington and Seminary St., Wheaton, on Saturday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m. A livestream will be available here: https://youtube.com/live/JTeuzSI__Lw
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Wheaton Christian Grammar School.