LOIS J. EATON

Lois Janice Leibbrandt, only child of Gustave and Rose (Paulino) Leibbrandt, was born December 23, 1931 in St. Francis, Kansas. Both of her parents were deaf, and Lois learned how to sign as she grew. She did not learn how to speak until she was 5 years old in Kindergarten. She grew up in St. Francis and graduated from high school there. Lois started waiting tables at age 13 to help with family expenses.

On February 8, 1950 Lois was united in marriage to Melvin A Eaton. They made their home in Brock, Nebraska and would be blessed with four children: Melvin, Jr., Marvin, Brenda, and Becky.

Lois was employed as a cook with the Brock school for 25 years. After the closing of the school she returned to her roots as a waitress at the American Legion, Kelly’s Café, and Darling’s Café in Auburn, Nebraska and then at the Johnson Quik Stop in Johnson, Nebraska.

Lois was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church and was active in the Johnson community. She received the Outstanding Woman of the Community award in 1983 from the Johnson Area JayCees. She loved to play cards, particularly Pinochle and Canasta, and belonged to the “39er’s” card club for many years. Lois was known to family and friends to be a wonderful cook and baker.

After suffering a stroke in early October at her home in Johnson and being rushed to the Nemaha County Hospital Lois was transferred to Immanuel Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. From there she went to Madonna Rehabilitation in Omaha and then became a resident of Colonial Acres in Humboldt, Nebraska. It was there she passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 1 day. Her husband Melvin and sons Marvin and Melvin preceded her in death.

Lois is survived by her daughters Brenda Grube of Johnson; Becky (Dick) Jones of Maryville, Missouri; 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A graveside service and committal was Monday, December 30, 2020 at the East Union Cemetery near Union, Nebraska, with Rev. Larry Tolen officiating. Pre-recorded music was played. Casket bearers were Brock Elliott, Bailey Elliott, Nate Grube, Doug Heim, Alden Madsen, and Patrick Hahn.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.