Lois Marie (Smith) McMurry  passed away with family by her side on  June 13, 2024, at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa.

She was born on March 4, 1926, to William Elver Smith and Melvia Sadie (Cronin) Smith.  Lois was welcome by her older brothers, Vere Arlan and Ray Eugene. She grew up on a farm near High Pint and Garden Grove. They later moved to a farm near Millerton. Her aunt and uncle gave her a pair of mallard ducks. She loved her ducks and raised them for 30 years. However she wasn’t a Fan of geese. Lois was always being chased by the gander. One day her dad handed her a shovel and told her to hit it. She thought that she had killed the goose but she didn’t and she never got chase again.

Lois met the love of her life, Rex L. McMurry,  at the Millerton School.  He had beautiful blue eyes, dark wavy hair and dimples. On June 25,1945, Rex and Lois was united into marriage. To this union four children were born, Gary, Denise, Cathy and Debbie. They were farmer’s until 1970’s, When they moved to Chariton. Lois started doing alterations for Oppenheimers Clothing Store and she also did alterations at home as well. Lois was an accomplished seamstress.

She loved spending time with her family, they were so important to her. Lois would never forget a birthday, anniversary for any of her family. She made them all feel special and loved.

In her retirement , she loved her home, family, her flowers, reading, and watching sports especially the Hawkeyes and collecting ornamental ducks. In the last few years, she wrote a short book about her life with the help of her granddaughter. Lois was so proud and loved for everyone to read it.

Lois had 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rex, daughter Denise, and son-in-law, Mark.

Left to mourn her passing are Gary (Judy) McMurry, son-in-law, Ken Couchman, Cathy (Alan) Grismore and Debbie Rosa. Several other family and friends to many to name. She left an impression in all of our hearts and Lois will be greatly missed by all.