Lois Oliva Elam

Born in RR Mt. Auburn, Iowa on April 24, 1915
Departed on May 30, 2007. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

Lois O. Gingrich Elam, 92, Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday afternoon, May 30, 2007, at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, following a short illness.

Lois was born April 24, 1915, at rural Mt. Auburn, Iowa. She was the daughter of Jason and Lenora Fitzsinger Gingrich. She married Marion William Elam September 18, 1969, in Cedar Rapids.

She received her religious upbringing at the Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church where she also attended school and graduated with honors. Her mother died prematurely and consequently, Lois and her brothers were raised by their grandmother, Elizabeth Fitzsinger. She worked for many years in the Cedar Rapids area in the restaurant business and later as a successful sales person with Family Record Plan. During World War II, Lois joined the war effort by moving to California where she worked at a military base as fork lift operator, semi truck driver and then later as a chauffeur driver for military officers. Lois was an active member of the Cedar Rapids Women's Club in the 1980s, serving as president in 1985. She remained active by bowling every week in a bowling league at Lancer Lanes into her nineties. Lois loved decorating her home, growing flowers and entertaining friends and family with her tremendous meals. She was known as, and loved by many as simply "Aunt Lois".

Aunt Lois is survived by five nephews that she considered her sons. Jim wife Carol Winnebago, IL, Craig wife Deb, Cedar Falls, IA, Lynn wife Roxe Cedar Rapids, IA, Bart wife Kim Marion, IA, and Kyle wife Melissa Cedar Rapids, IA. She is also survived by 12 great nephews, 4 great nieces, 2 great, great nephews and 1 great, great niece.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and beloved grandmother; 2 brothers, Ivan and Llewellyn Sam; two sisters, in infancy, Phyllis and Claire.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 4, at 1:30 p.m. at the Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Julie McCullough officiating the service. There will be no visitation. Private inurnment in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established.

Service

Cemetery