March 12, 1928 – July 21, 2023
Lois was born in Earlville, Iowa to Carl & Floy Laxson. Lois was the fourth of eight children all born at home in the family’s playroom. Carl ran the State Bank of Earlville and Floy ran the home. Growing up the Laxson family attended church and was involved in community activities. The family was sports crazy all participated in and watched sports. Once a year, the family trekked to Wrigley field to see the Chicago Cubs. Go Cubs! Lois graduated from Earlville School in 1946 at the top of her class of 13. Lois chose a career in nursing which took her to the University of Iowa where she graduated in 1951. Go Hawkeyes!
Lois headed west and began her nursing career at Harborview, her skillset quickly sent her up the ranks to nursing supervisor to the two specialty medical floors. In 1958 Lois met Bill Stewart they dated for a year before marrying on August 29, 1959 at University
Congregational Church in Seattle. They both wanted a big family and had 5 children in 6 years. Lois was active for over 60 years at Kent United Methodist Church. Lois was a long time member of the Kent Guild of Children’s Orthopedic Hospital. She was the Hilltop Avenue neighborhood nurse, and when the kids were grown, she helped at Stewart Drug as a pharmacy assistant and bookkeeper. Lois followed the Mariners and many UW teams both women & men. Go Mariners! Go Huskies! Lois ran a loving organized home; she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She never had a harsh word or raised a voice to anyone. Lois always listened attentively to everyone, especially her children, did not give unsolicited advice or pass judgment. From the time her children were young, she welcomed their friends and was like a second mom to many. Lois welcomed the people her children chose to marry and never pressured anyone for a grandchild – but boy oh boy – did she like getting grandchildren! Lois was an example to all, our hearts are aching in her sudden absence.
Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill of 59 years.
Lois is survived by her younger siblings, Carol & Jim (JoAnne).
Her children, Bob (Gretchen), Dick (Monica), Janet (Dan), Jim (Angie) and Karen. Eleven grandchildren, Doug (Lizzie),
Megan, Stephanie, Trevor, Natalie, Aaron, Brendan (Kami), Laura, Garrett, Carson and Allison.
Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, August 9 at 11:00am at Kent United Methodist Church. For those unable to attend in person the service will be live streamed. Go to kentmethodist.com For a more detailed obituary go to yahnandson.com.
Donations can be made to the following:
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation jdrf.org Seattle Children’s Hospital seattlechildrens.org Kent United Methodist Church kentmethodist.com
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