ALMQUIST, Lois

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Wednesday, October 6, 2010 Lois Almquist went home to be with Jesus Oct. 5, 2010, in Bartlesville, Okla., after a lengthy illness. Lois Walker was born Oct. 27, 1930, to Ralph and Mildred Walker, of Verdon, Neb. Growing up on a farm near Verdon, she attended Cornell (country) School, and she sometimes joked that she was a “graduate of Cornell.” Lois attended the Verdon Congregational Church as she grew up. She graduated from Verdon High School in 1948 and then was an office worker in Falls City, Neb., St. Joseph, Mo., and in the state capitol in Lincoln, Neb. She married Marvin Almquist, of Ceresco, Neb., in 1953 and was a homemaker and mother for the next few years in Ohio and Nebraska. Two children, Diane and Gary, were born to that union. The family eventually settled in Nebraska City. Lois was very active in her children’s activities, serving as a Cub Scout leader, Vacation Bible School teacher and giving talks to grade schools on rock and fossil collecting. She had several creative talents including writing, collecting rocks and making them into jewelry, and baking, which she enjoyed sharing with friends. She enjoyed good home cooking and sharing recipes with others and, in later years, the cooking shows on TV. She also had an extensive knowledge of natural foods developed throughout the years through her own health conditions and advised many people about the importance of healthy eating. Gospel music was always a favorite as she enjoyed many Blackwood Brothers concerts as a teenager and watching the Gaithers more recently. She had taken classes in writing and was pleased that some of her works were published. Always interested in knowing more about God, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a Billy Graham Crusade in Omaha, which changed her life. She was later baptized as an adult, a believer in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Later, she was instrumental in influencing her daughter and son-in-law’s return to the Lord and their lives of full-time Christian service at Back to the Bible, rescue missions, pastorates and currently, Voice of the Martyrs. Lois was also instrumental in her son’s submission to Christ, and he has subsequently served God and currently works in Christian radio. Along with her children, Lois also had influence on others. One of her greatest gifts was the ability to speak a kind word when it was most needed. Proverbs 25:11 best expresses this gift, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.” She could exercise this gift with her closest relative or a complete stranger, and lightened many heavy burdens through her words. Widowed at age 40, Lois raised her children and then lived in Lincoln for several years, where she was active in Foursquare Church, before moving to Falls City, Neb., to care for her mother. After her mother’s death, Lois embarked on her grand adventure: She had always longed for a warmer climate, so she watched the “Today Show” daily, noting cities that were consistently warmest. With the help of her son, she moved to the winner, Lake Havasu City, sight unseen, and she enjoyed desert living for more than 15 years. Lois attended Lakeview Community Church in Lake Havasu City. Failing health necessitated her move to Bartlesville, Okla., in 2007 to be near her daughter and son-in-law. Lois had a special ability to make life-long friends in Bartlesville and continued to influence people through her writing. Lois is now in her real home with her Lord and Savior. Her surviving family includes her son, Gary Almquist; daughter-in-law, Cynthia; and grandson, Ryan, of Bayard, Neb.; and her daughter, Diane and son-in-law, Bradford Heil, of Bartlesville, Okla. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Deloris Boller, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both parents, her husband and her only sister, Mary Katherine Walker Rodehorst. She leaves behind many friends who love her dearly. A memorial service and inurnment will take place at 11 a.m. Oct. 28 at Verdon Cemetery. In case of inclement weather, contact Dorr-Clark Funeral Home at 402-245-2424 for alternate location. Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army or to family.