Lois Nellie Wilson was born on August 9, 1930, in Wilder, Idaho to Francis and Nellie Wilson. She grew up with 8 brothers and sisters, a big family with lots of love. As the second to the youngest, she enjoyed 4 protective older brothers, 2 older sisters and a younger sister to boss around. The 4 girls were inseparable thru out their lifetimes, especially Lois and Larna, getting together for meals at one of their houses and trips to the Frosty Palace for a hamburger, fries and a shake. Upon graduation from Wilder High School, Lois went to work at Mountain Bell telephone company with her sisters and 2 best friends.
After a whirlwind romance on one of the snowiest days of the year, Lois married Albert Cleveland Marks, the love of her life, on January 19, 1962. They raised their 4 children in the Treasure Valley, creating many family memories at the home they built together in Middleton, Idaho. When her kids were older, she worked at Wasatch Chemical Company and Sears Roebuck & Co to help pay the bills. No Grandma was more excited when each of the 5 grandkids were born, taking every opportunity to hold and play with them.
Lois led by example demonstrating the principles of hard work, independence and complete devotion to family. She was a strong, independent woman who loved her kids unconditionally, wanting the best for them always. She taught her kids to love God, work hard, cook, bake, garden and was an example of living frugally. Mom never knew a recipe that wasn’t worth changing to see if the outcome could taste better and was amazing at taking older clothes and making them look brand new. Her kids appreciated her love and patience even under pressure when they scaled a high tree, got the air knocked out of them jumping off a shed or getting bucked off a pony, were swimming in questionable ditches or staying out past curfew. Her grandchildren have fond memories of sitting in Minnie Mouse chairs playing Old Maid, being Tech Support to teach her about the computer and iPad, riding the 4 wheeler with her watching hoping her worst fears wouldn’t be realized, drinking cups of hot Ovaltine and getting buckets of hot chicken from Kentucky Fried Chicken, one of her favorite places to eat. She dedicated her life to her family, making many sacrifices without a second thought to provide for them, teach them character, protect their innocence and keep them safe. When her health began failing, she was thrilled to spend more time with her kids and grandkids, always having a smile for them, telling them she loved them and thanking them for spending precious time with her.
After living a full life, Lois went home to be with the Lord on July 29, 2024, at the age of 93, almost 94. She died peacefully at home surrounded by the family who loved her.
A committal service will be held, 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, Idaho.