Lois Anderson

Lois J. Anderson was a strong and independent woman, who lived by her grandpa’s motto of “Never say can’t.” Roaring towards the horizon on the Gold Wing, Lois may not have looked like your typical great-grandmother! She had a softer side too, however – she was very understanding, a great listener, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Lois’ wonderful sense of humor, generous spirit, and unforgettable laugh will live on in the hearts and memories of all those whose lives she touched

Lois was born on February 2, 1940, to proud parents Cecil and Dorothy (Bingham) LaBar. Lois was the first-born, and had five younger siblings on the way. The LaBar family lived on a farm in Fowler, Michigan, until Lois was three years old. At this time, they moved to St. Johns, MI, where Cecil supported his family as a share-cropper. Dorothy stayed at home, minding the house and raising her six children.

As a child, Lois loved working outside with her father. She learned lots of practical life skills, and won state-level awards for her knitting projects in 4-H. Lois also loved to draw, a hobby she pursued her whole life, and sang in the church choir. She attended local schools, where her outgoing and friendly personality won her many friends.

When Lois was in high school, she left school to get married. She found a job at Federal Mogul, where she would work for the next 35 years. In the years to come, Lois and her husband were blessed with four children: Melissa, Laura, Wenda, and William. Lois loved being a mother – the greatest days of her life were the days her children were born. As the years went by, she would be not only a mother, but also a best friend, to each of her children. Lois was a wonderful cook, and the whole family looked forward to her chicken and baked beans. In her free time, Lois could often be spotted weeding or pruning in her lovely flower garden, hunting mushrooms, or fishing.

Tragically, Lois’ son William passed away. Although she eventually found the strength to go on, for her own sake and the sake of her family, this was the darkest time in Lois’ life.

Seventeen years ago, Lois reunited with a childhood friend, Eugene Bellingar. Their friendship gradually deepened into romance, and Lois realized that in Eugene she had found the love of her life. Lois and Eugene shared a passion for motorcycles, and traveled to all the contiguous 48 states. They were members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and accumulated nearly 300,000 miles on their bikes! They often went fishing on their trips, where Lois tried to make a point of catching more fish than Eugene. In the mornings, Lois would act as the alarm clock for the whole campsite, rousing nearby campers by crowing like a rooster.

At home in St. Johns, Lois loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her daughters remember a wonderful moment, sitting on the living room floor with Lois, while she taught her step-great-granddaughter how to knit.

Kind-hearted, humorous, and friendly, Lois was a devoted mother, a loving grandmother, and a true friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Lois J. Anderson died on September 8, 2012, after a brief battle with cancer. Her family includes her daughters, Melissa (Dan) Rue, Laura (Dan) Harbenski and Wenda (Armond) Smith; her fiancé, Eugene Bellingar; her sister, Sue Hardman; her brothers, Dennis (Eunice) LaBar and Michael (Belinda) LaBar; her brother-in-law, Kent Daley; her grandchildren, Lyle Parkinson, Alesha (Jason) Haynie, Edwin Parkinson, Nicole (Tom) Furlano, Nina (Rick) Dibble, Noel (Jessica) Smith, Amber (Eric) Martin, Cody Smith, and Billi Jo (Nic) Ney; and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Rebecca Daley and Florence Kay LaBar; and her son, William J.C. Bancroft III.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 13, at the Osgood Funeral Home, with Pastor David Hudgens officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Contributions in Lois’s memory may be made to Great Lakes Hospice. The family was served by Osgood Funeral Homes. Please visit Lois’ personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/83127, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.